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Coming into the season, Chisago Lakes senior Aliah Williams had her sights set on repeating as a Class A state champion.

She didn’t quite hit that mark at her last competitive gymnastics meet, but it didn’t diminish her season or her career overall.

Williams finished in fifth place on the uneven bars and  11th on the floor exercise to close her Chisago Lakes career out. She scored a 9.55 on the uneven bars and spent a majority of the meet perched in first place. But, the Detroit Lakes train steamrolled in to the uneven bars on their last rotation, and three Lakers were able to pass Williams at the very end.

“It was awesome that she was able to make it onto the podium after dealing with her shoulder injury most of the season,” Head Coach Brett Kjos said.

Williams also scored high on the floor exercise, putting up a 9.5 score, but the competition was stiff in floor, and that earned her an 11th place.

“Aliah did a fantastic job at the state meet,” Kjos said after the meet. It was also a bittersweet feeling, though, as Williams will be focusing on track and field in college and won’t be competing in gymnastics any longer. “It was a sad day that such an outstanding gymnast's career came to an end after her floor routine,” Kjos said.  “Her dedication, leadership, hard work and enthusiasm will be missed by everyone in the program.  Her talent speaks for itself and she holds all the school records for every event and the all-around.  They will be huge shoes to try and fill. She was an amazing gymnast.”

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