By TYLER DRUMMOND
of The Gazette
The Stevens Point Area Senior High School (SPASH) gymnastics team hopes to be tumbling its way to another conference championship this year. Standing in their way are the squads in Rhinelander and Wisconsin Rapids.
"They are both really tough squads," said SPASH head coach Jill Suchowski. "We beat Rhinelander, Rhinelander beat Rapids, and Rapids beat us. It's a three-way tie."
All this chaos in the Wisconsin Valley Conference should be settled on Saturday, Feb. 21, as the Panthers will host the final meet for the WVC.
"That will be it, that's where we'll find out who'll take the championship," said Suchowski.
According to Suchowski, if the Panthers want to win the championship, they will need to improve overall scores. "I would like to get the team score around 138, that should put us in good position. There's only going to be a few points between the top three teams and 138 is a good mark to shoot for."
If the Panthers want to win, they'll have to look for their two seniors to really step it up with some impressive scores. Katie Munsey and Jamie Rugg are the two captains this season, with both girls featuring a bit different personality.
"That's what I like about my captains," said Suchowski. "Katie is really serious and focused and Jamie is more laid back. It makes for a good mix for our team."
Others who will have to step it up include junior Jen Gruba. "Jen is an all around performer and she's been finishing high. "I'm expecting good things from her," said Suchowski.
Kendra Konopacki, a freshman, will also have to perform well. "Kendra's attitude and ability has put her on varsity. She's got a high level of maturity," said Suchowski.
Jenny Grim, a junior, rounds out the fifth spot for the Panthers. "She's one of those girls that we look at their previous meet score and, if it was high, they compete the next week. She's also good on the floor and the beam," said Suchowski.
The surprise this year for the Panthers has been Sharisa Hillstead. "Sharisa has really been our surprise because she only started in the gym two years ago," said Suchowski. "She's hard working, wants to learn, and she's fun to work with."
Following Hillstead is junior Mary Sue Jurgella. "She's one of the people who round out our varsity squad on floor and on the beam," said Suchowski.
The final member of the varsity squad is Rachel Von Holdt. "Rachel is a varsity vaulter and is the team jokester," said Suchowski.
Also deserving of mention are two up and comers who will see lots of action next year on the varsity squad, Suchowski said. Junior Erin Koziczkowski and sophomore Morgan Rugg should make an impact next year. "Erin is a beam specialist and Morgan is an all around competitor. Morgan will also fill in for varsity if we need an alternate," said Suchowski.
As for Suchowski, this is her first year as the head coach of SPASH gymnastics. Suchowski, an assistant coach for the team from 1984-88, couldn't find time before this season to help the team. As an underwriter for Associated Bank, her position wasn't flexible enough but through that time Suchowski was a coach for summer volleyball.
"I always missed gymnastics," said Suchowski. "I'm happy that the company was kind enough to give me a little flexibility in my job this year so that I could take over the role of the head coach."
One thing is for sure this season for Suchowski. "The sport isn't the same as it used to be," she said. "I had to go and learn a lot all over again. I love seeing the work pay off in the girls' routines and seeing how happy they are with a great score. I feel I'm doing something right and that I can contribute something and see that they are still having fun and enjoying their high school experience."