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The Chisago Lakes gymnastics team turned in a solid performance Saturday, January 3 in Park Center at the 2026 Classic Invitational, competing against one of the deeper fields the meet has assembled in recent years at Park Center High School.

Chisago Lakes finished seventh overall in Division 1 with a team score of 126.525, holding its own against several large-school programs and showing balance across all four events. St. Louis Park claimed the Division 1 title with a 132.925, followed by Mahtomedi (130.900) and Southwest (130.700), but the Wildcats were firmly in the mix throughout the afternoon.

Vault proved to be one of Chisago Lakes’ stronger rotations. The Wildcats placed fifth as a team on the event, highlighted by consistent performances across the lineup. Lila Leadholm led the way with an 8.900, while Chelsea Stipe added an 8.800 to keep the Wildcats competitive early. That steady vault rotation helped Chisago Lakes avoid the early hole that can be difficult to climb out of in a large invitational setting.

Uneven bars was more challenging for the ‘Cats. Leadholm and Stipe led the way, with Leadholm the only CL competitor who finished above 7.

The balance beam rotation was a turning point for Chisago Lakes. Competing late in the order, the Wildcats responded with one of their more confident events of the day. Leadholm posted an 8.525 to lead the team, while Stipe (8.050) and Husfeldt (7.50) helped Chisago Lakes climb into the middle of the team standings. Beam has been an event that can swing meets dramatically, and Chisago Lakes’ ability to stay upright proved valuable against strong competition.

Floor exercise closed the meet on a positive note. Chisago Lakes finished sixth as a team on floor, with Leadholm again pacing the Wildcats with an 8.875. The Wildcats showed improved energy and execution in their final rotation.

Individually, Leadholm was Chisago Lakes’ most consistent all-around performer, finishing eighth overall in the Division 1 standings with a 33.650. Her scores across vault, beam and floor anchored the Wildcats’ lineup and provided a dependable foundation throughout the meet. Stipe also competed well in multiple events, contributing valuable points that added up.

From a coaching perspective, the Classic Invitational served as a useful measuring stick. With teams from across the state and a wide range of styles and strengths, the meet offered a great look at where Chisago Lakes stands and where improvement can be made. 

Overall, Chisago Lakes’ seventh-place finish reflected a team that is steadily building momentum. Against a deep, talented field, the Wildcats stayed composed, avoided major setbacks and finished strong — all encouraging signs as they move forward into the heart of the season.

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