Columbus East High School

While much of the state saw Saturday activities wiped out by winter weather, the Columbus East gymnastics team caught a clean window. With a 10 a.m. start, the Olympians and Roncalli Royals were able to travel safely and get competition in, squaring off in a home dual inside the Orange Pit. Columbus East was shorthanded, with two varsity gymnasts sidelined due to injury and illness. That left senior Bethany Lewis carrying the varsity banner, with Kalia Scott pulling double duty by competing in both JV and varsity. Leigh Vandergriff rounded out the lineup on the JV side. Lewis didn’t just carry the load—she dominated it. The Olympian senior turned in a sweep of all four events and the all-around, posting season-best scores across the board. She topped the vault with a 9.35, followed by an 8.95 on bars, a 9.05 on beam, and a meet-best 9.5 on floor. Her all-around total of 36.85 marked a clean sweep and a statement performance. Scott delivered one of the meet’s biggest bright spots. Competing all-around for the first time, she showed poise under pressure, highlighted by a no-fall beam routine in its debut. She also recorded a personal best on floor with an 8.2, earning a fifth-place varsity finish while logging extra reps on the JV side. JV competition brought more positives for the Olympians. Vandergriff had a strong day, placing third on vault, first on bars with a personal record, second on beam, and third on floor—also a PR. Scott added a second-place finish on JV bars. Roncalli claimed the team victory with a score of 100.8, but the morning belonged to individual progress and resilience for Columbus East. With limited numbers and tough conditions around them, the Olympians competed with confidence and momentum. Columbus East hopes to have its full varsity lineup back in action for the next meet, scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, at Rushville High School. Weather could again be a factor, so fans are encouraged to stay tuned to Columbus East sports social media for updates and possible changes.