---

Despite knocking most of their routines out of the park and scoring a far and away season high mark, the Chisago Lakes gymnastics team didn’t even sniff a state tournament berth because they are in the most stacked section in the state.

The Wildcats broke the 140 barrier for the first time this season and still finished in fourth place, with the second ranked team in the state Sartell-St. Stephen winning the meet with a 147.175. Big Lake finished second with a 143.325 and Monticello came in third with a score of 142.375. CL’s score of 140.125 put them in fourth.

As an individual, Aliah Williams, the defending Class A all around champion, will make her way back to state in two events, the floor and uneven bars. She won the section title on floor and finished third on bars. “It’s too bad that her shoulder did not heal enough for her to defend her all-around state title, but to get her to qualify in two events in this section is awesome,” Head Coach Brett Kjos said.

Claudia Stipe had a great meet for CL, finishing in the dreaded fourth spot in the all around competition, meaning she missed out on the state tourney by one spot. “She is only in ninth grade and there are some seniors that qualified in the all-around from other teams,” Kjos said. “The door is open for Claudia next season.”

For the ‘Cats, the meet marked the end of the careers for four of the five seniors. Callie Schlegel, Avery Boudreau, Savannah Gorski and Natalie Silver are graduating. “Their hard-work, dedication and leadership will be missed, but they have laid the groundwork for excellence  for all up-and-coming gymnasts in our program to follow,” Kjos explained.

For North Branch, Angie Fish came in third on the balance beam, earning her a trip to the state meet. “This is such a tough section and I’m very proud of Angie and the rest of the team,” Head Coach Chris Johnson said. Fish, a senior, was able to keep her composure on the balance beam despite her fellow senior Ashley Robillard breaking her foot during the warm ups for the event. “The girls had to come together after that,” Johnson said.

North Branch scored 131.875 and finished in sixth place as a team..Williams and Fish take part in the individual state meet, to be held  Saturday, February 23 at 11 a.m.

---