GSL gymnastics features plenty of talent

Jenna Schlosser, the State 4A gymnastics all-around champion from Mead, has graduated, but the Greater Spokane League has some talent poised to pick up where Schlosser left off.

One of the candidates is Mead sophomore Zella Conley, a club gymnast until this year.

Conley showed her athleticism last spring in track. Mead coach Laurie Chadwick is tickled that Conley decided to turn out this winter.

“Her skill replaces Jenna’s skill level,” Chadwick said. “She has some work to do on her routines to get them cleaned up and fit the high school requirements better, but she has the potential.”

Mead returns four, including senior Kaitlyn Engen, the Panthers’ lone senior. Engen was a first-team all-league selection in the bars.

Mead, Mt. Spokane, University and Central Valley should contend for the league championship, Chadwick said.

“It’s (the skill) a little better than it has been as far as team vs. team,” Chadwick said. “We have a lot of work to do because we’re young overall. We have some stuff to learn.”

University coach Tracy Duncan agrees.

“It’s going to be a dogfight,” Duncan said.

Duncan lost just one to graduation.

“We are looking so good,” Duncan said. “I haven’t been this excited in a long time. The new kids and the returners have bonded really, really well. The new girls have pushed the returners.”

Leading U-Hi is junior Demri Oglesbee, a returning first-team all-league pick on the balance beam and floor exercise.

“All the girls have new floor routines,” Duncan said. “We’re hoping to take a team to state.”

CV brings back senior McKinzie Carter, a first-team all-league selection at all-around last year. Coach Kim Brunelle, who is entering her 25th and final season at CV, will look to Carter to anchor her team.

Other first-team all-league returners are Jade Anderson and Reigan Kampmann of Mt. Spokane and Jessica Harpel of Ferris.

Cheney returns to the GSL. The Blackhawks will be the 10th team since Gonzaga Prep doesn’t offer the sport.

“They have a lot of talent on their team,” Duncan said of Cheney.