Back On The Beam Frederickson Recovers Lost Gymnastics Skills To Become Gsl Star

The people who attended to Kacey Frederickson in May 1995 told her to pay no attention to her kneecap.

Frederickson is still doing her best to oblige.

Based on last week’s balance beam routine, Frederickson has conquered any lingering fear from her scary fall off the beam nearly three years ago.

Frederickson dislocated her kneecap and tore three ligaments while working on an aerial move at a local club.

“Don’t look at it,” said the people who rushed to her side.

Good advice, Frederickson thought.

Yet another bit of advice - give up gymnastics - would never sit well with the Ferris senior.

“That was the first time I’d been injured after 10 years in gymnastics,” Frederickson said. “It’s just a huge part of my life. It wasn’t a question of whether I would go back, just a matter of when.”

So Frederickson endured the hours of therapy, the step-by-step routines that allowed a return to her favorites pastimes: gymnastics and cheerleading.

The results are positive.

Her coquettish floor exercise is generally considered the Greater Spokane League’s best. Her vaulting has been solid. Work on the parallel bars, despite a scary slip and fall last year, has gone well.

On the beam, however, Frederickson couldn’t shake the memory of ‘95. When she placed sixth in the all-around at last year’s district meet, that came despite finishing out of the top 15 on beam.

Then last Thursday, during a five-way league meet at Central Valley, Frederickson took to the beam and nailed her flight series, two connected backward springs.

Frederickson was definitely back, and few were more pleased than third-year Saxons coach Bill Christianson.

“When we first started together, she wasn’t sure what we were going to be able to do,” Christianson said.

“I don’t think it’s that big a risk,” said Frederickson, who steams ahead despite a sore back and aching wrists. “When I weigh the pain, it’s worth it to me.”

Few could question Frederickson’s commitment. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Frederickson attends seminary each school morning at 6. She practices after school, then teaches gymnastics three times a week at Spokane Elite. Study time, to maintain her 3.89 grade-point average, comes late at night or early in the morning.

“We’re talking about academics, athletic ability, dedication, perseverance, strength and leadership,” Christianson said.”

Frederickson dropped cheerleading this year to concentrate on her varsity sport, but added DECA as a sidelight. DECA teaches students authentic business situations.

Frederickson plans to switch roles during her freshman year in college, with a return to cheerleading and no more gymnastics. Her colleges of choice are LDS institutions, Ricks in Rexburg, Idaho, and Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

Frederickson said her body is “falling apart” from the wear and tear of gymnastics, but her connection with the sport will boost her chances to make cheer squads.

“I’m going to miss it,” Frederickson said of gymnastics. “It has been a part of my life since I was 4 or 5 years old. I’m already getting sentimental about this leaving-home thing. I’m a real mama’s girl.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo