New Gymnastics Coach Takes Over Mead Program

Following the resignation of longtime coach Laurie Ticknor, Mead’s gymnastics program and the seasons of its veterans were in limbo.

Ticknor’s replacement pulled out before the season began.

“We went through a six-month hiring process - posted it twice and hired a candidate who quit,” activities administrator Dick Cullen said just prior to the season. “When we get a capable coach we’ll have a program.”

It wasn’t until a week after practices began for GSL teams that Jack Baker signed on, effectively saving the Panther season.

Baker assisted at North Central and Shadle Park prior to this year.

“They were in the process of hiring a coach when I put in my application,” Baker said. “I was hired when it opened again.”

Mead had always been a top-four league team for Ticknor, who now teaches and coaches at Medical Lake. Baker competed in high school and coached at the club level in California before moving here. He’s completing a technical education degree at Eastern Washington University.

With Baker’s hiring, three of last year’s top four scorers, senior Kelli Herron, junior Marki Stewart, both state veterans, and sophomore Kelsie Slack get to continue their careers.

Sophomores Anna Vagstad and Ciarra Mylner provide depth.

“We do have good talent returning and I see some new girls developing who have not had gymnastics experience,” said Baker.

The team is a cooperative effort between Mead and Mt. Spokane high schools.

“If it does develop,” said Baker. “It would be nice if the two split off.”

The Panthers and North Central are two schools most likely to challenge perennial champion University and contenders Ferris and Central Valley for team regional berths.

“It looks like we’re going to be better than average, even with young kids,” said NC coach Bob Litton.

He brings back state veteran sophomore Heidi McCullough who will be pushed by freshman Amber Baines.

“I’m trying to promote a friendly rivalry and hopefully draw others into it,” said Litton.

Junior Aletha Allen, senior Kristin Walters, sophomores Janna Kruger, Kari LeBrett and Robyn Rockstrom return.

Freshmen Nicole Brown and Cassie Clemons provide depth.

Rogers, which finished sixth, and Shadle Park, which was seventh in the GSL last year, return most of their teams.

Among them are Pirate regional veterans Brandy Shea, Carlene Krebs, Sandra Canan and Crystal Bettencourt.

Shadle veterans are Mary Bass, Tami Pule, Andy Hannon and Stefani Schirman.

, DataTimes