On Dec. 12, the Wolverines competed in a meet at Broadview Heights High School and did well, finishing third out of nine teams with an overall score of 85.9. That was only behind the meet runner-up, Padua Franciscan (123.05), and the meet champion, Brecksville Broadview Heights (139.6).
For meet photos click here.
The West Geauga Wolverines gymnastics season is off to a good start.
On Dec. 12, the Wolverines competed in a meet at Broadview Heights High School and did well, finishing third out of nine teams with an overall score of 85.9. That was only behind the meet runner-up, Padua Franciscan (123.05), and the meet champion, Brecksville Broadview Heights (139.6).
“I feel like today went very well,” said Wolverines Head Coach Madelynne Prosek. “The girls are definitely improving overall. We’ve had two meets so far, and just the energy that they have been bringing into the gym and their attitudes are super good.”
The gymnasts themselves were also happy with their performances. In particular, they emphasized that their team has been building important team chemistry, focused on continuing to develop its mental game in order to improve gymnastics performance.
“I think we did really well, especially as a whole team,” said senior Rey Lifford. “We got higher scores than we got at the last meet, and we have made big improvements the last two practices.”
Junior gymnast Elana Rodriguez agreed with Lifford about the team’s performance.
“I think we did really good,” Rodriguez said. “We were really loud as a team, and I think we were just really supportive. I think that helped us with our confidence and the performance overall.”
In particular, the Wolverine gymnasts saw their floor exercises go very well.
“Personally, floor went very well for me,” said Rodriguez. “I also think floor went really good overall (for the team). There was a lot of energy.”
Wolverine coaches and athletes stressed how important it was for the gymnasts to have a positive mental attitude and use mental skills to aid their performances. These mental skills include visualization and positive self talk while learning and performing gymnastic skills.
“I think that’s super important, to be honest,” said junior gymnast Elana Rodriguez of visualization. “If you can’t visualize a skill, you don’t have any expectations for yourself. “
Said Lifford, “It’s very important to be positive about yourself, what you’re about to do, because then whatever you say is more likely to come true.”
Prosek, West Geauga’s head gymnastics coach, also talked about the mental aspects of gymnastics.
“The energy and the attitude that they have been bringing into the gym are super good,” said Prosek. “They are excited to be here. It’s all about kind of pushing each other, and you know, being the best gymnast you can be, no matter what your score is.
“I was a gymnast before, and if you’re not mentally prepared, you probably won’t do well. I tell the girls, if you know you can do it, you can do it. If you’re telling yourself, ‘I can’t do this, I can’t do that,’ you’re bringing the team down, you’re bringing yourself down, and you’re not going to perform at your best.”
The Wolverines gymnastics team will next compete Jan. 5 at their home facility in Chagrin Falls, Chalk It Up Gymnastics.
