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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Mead considered favorite in GSL gymnastics

It remains to be seen if the Mead gymnastics team can contend for a state championship, as it did when it captured the 4A title in 2012.

Panthers coach Laurie Chadwick is optimistic, though.

By far and away, Mead returns the most talent in the Greater Spokane League after placing third at state last year.

The Panthers bring back Jenna Schlosser (all-around), Kaitlyn Engen (all-around) and Hanna Bjerkstrand, who because of shoulder problems will have to concentrate on the balance beam and floor exercise. Taylor Britz (all-around) also returns.

Chadwick adds to the mix freshman Mya Stein (all-around).

“This team has more work to do than the team in 2012,” Chadwick said. “Our supporting crew has to improve a lot if we’re going to win a state championship.”

She counts 10 other seniors in the supporting crew.

“We’re feeling good at this point about our progress,” Chadwick said. “Right now, it’s still December. We have a lot of work to do.”

Chadwick is also on the disabled list. She had hip replacement surgery Monday and has turned the coaching duties over to her assistants for a couple of weeks.

It’s her second hip replacement.

“I had the right hip done three years ago,” said Chadwick, who has had hip dysplasia from birth. “I originally wanted to put off surgery until the end of February. But I had too much pain.”

The other teams to watch in the league are Central Valley, Mt. Spokane and University.

CV returns Izzy Erdem and McKinzie Carter; Mt. Spokane brings back Jade Anderson, Reigan Kampmann and Brooke Fraser; and U-Hi returns Demri Oglesbee and Shantel Singh.

U-Hi coach Tracy Duncan reported a large turnout.

“We had 42 turn out and we had to cut 18,” Duncan said. “I absolutely hate having to cut, but we can’t get them all in the gym.”