Mead’s strong seniors take last trip to State 4A gymnastics

Laurie Chadwick stopped just short of saying this is the end of a good run.

The Mead gymnastics coach knows the value seniors Jenna Schlosser, Hanna Bjerkestrand, Julia Woodd, Jurnee Sheffield and Carrie Jacka have provided.

“They’re just solid and work hard,” Chadwick said. “They’ve been the heart and soul of our team. I won’t have the same team next year.”

Chadwick takes a team to Tacoma that, in her own words, can’t finish any higher than second. That’s perfectly fine with her.

Defending State 4A champ Woodinville is in a class by itself. Mead is seeded to finish second.

The Panthers won the state title in 2012, didn’t qualify in 2013 and bounced back to take third last year. They captured a second straight regional title last weekend.

“Woodinville has been averaging at least 10 points more than the rest of us,” Chadwick said. “We don’t have the difficulty level to get to a 180. Woodinville has been at 180 multiple times and has a high of 185. We’ve been competing at about where we should be. There are things we can get a little better on, but it’s not 10 points worth.”

The team titles are decided on Friday along with the all-around title. Individual titles in floor exercise, uneven bars, balance beam and vault are determined on Saturday.

Schlosser took second in all-around, first in floor, second in bars, second in beam and tied for third in vault last year. Chadwick expects Schlosser to bring home more medals this weekend.

“I’d be very pleased with second,” Chadwick said. “If we can score like we have been scoring, it would be a great way to top off the season and end on a strong note.”

McKinzie Carter of Central Valley will also be in the chase for medals.

In 3A/2A/1A, Mt. Spokane’s Reigan Kampman and Jade Anderson will challenge for medals.