Five things to watch at Kansas state gymnastics

at Kansas state gymnastics1 Firebirds seek first state title

Lawrence Free State’s gymnastics program watched its training partner, Lawrence, dominate the state gymnastics scene from 2004 to 2006. Now, it might be time for coach Kathy Johnson’s “other” bunch to move to the fore. The Firebirds, whose only girls state championship came last year in swimming, head to state with the top regional score (104.700) and as the Sunflower League champions — an important distinction, because 11 of the 13 teams in Kansas are from the same league.

2 SM Northwest ties to avoid third straight runner-up finish

Nipping at Lawrence Free State’s heels is a deep and talented bunch from Shawnee Mission Northwest. The Cougars finished second to Olathe East the past two years, edging the Firebirds for the runner-up spot by 0.125 points last November. Seniors Molli Bird, Mary Jane Graves and Sierra Trussell would love to leave SM Northwest as state champs. Juniors Jessica Tingle and Camry Jones are also strong competitors for the Cougars.

3 Can SM South overtake Newton?

At the Sunflower League meet, the Raiders nudged close to 100 points but managed only 97.125 a week later at the regional. Newton, meanwhile, posted a 101.715 team score at its regional. In what’s shaping up to be the battle for third place — and the final team trophy — SM South, which hasn’t won any medals at state the past three years, needs big days from medal hopefuls Monica Funk and Kendra Martiny.

4 Will anyone challenge Drue Davis in the all-around?

Lawrence Free State’s Drue Davis won all-around titles with ease at the Sunflower League meet (36.700) and her regional (36.250). The Firebirds’ senior leader topped the league standings by two points and finished 0.425 clear of Newton’s Riley Roberts at the regional. Davis won the balance beam, floor exercise and vault at both meets.

5 Injured seniors hope for storybook finishes

SM Northwest’s Sierra Trussell is the reigning state champion on the balance beam. Olathe Northwest’s Elayna Briggs, who was fourth in the all-around at state as a junior, is the top returning competitor. But both senior standouts have battled a variety of injuries in recent weeks that hampered their performances. If healthy, either Trussell or Briggs, who did win a regional all-around crown, is a threat to strike gold.

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