Columbus East High School

After an unexpected delay to their season start, the Columbus East gymnastics team finally got their chance to compete, hosting Franklin Central in the Orange Pit on Tuesday evening. Though the Olympians fell short with a final score of 99.3 to 94.9, the team displayed determination and growth, setting the stage for the season ahead. The rescheduled opener gave the team an extra week to refine their routines, which proved beneficial for a squad navigating a season with limited experience and depth. Competing with only five gymnasts, East is focused on steady progress rather than immediate results. Sophomore Bethany Lewis was the standout performer for the Olympians. Continuing her strong form from last season, Lewis claimed individual victories on the vault (9.1) and bars (8.65) while finishing second on the beam (8.7) and floor (8.45). Her all-around score of 34.9 placed her just behind Franklin Central’s Ava Rebennack, who earned a 35.25. Three other East gymnasts competed in the all-around for the first meet of the season. Gracie Collier, new to gymnastics competition, scored 29.45, while Sophia Begley earned 28.55, and Ava Luedeke, in her first attempt at all-around competition, finished with 25.55. Despite the loss, East’s coaches saw promise in the team’s performance. The meet marked a significant milestone for the squad, with gymnasts competing in new roles or for the first time. The focus remains on building confidence and fine-tuning routines as the season progresses. With a small roster and gymnasts still gaining competitive experience, Columbus East embraces the challenge of growing together as a team. Every competition offers valuable lessons, and their determination to improve is evident. The Olympians are focused on celebrating individual progress, refining routines, and supporting each other through each step of the season. As the Olympians look ahead to their next competition, they’ll aim to build on this solid foundation, striving for improvements in both scores and confidence. For a young team, every meet is an opportunity to grow, and Columbus East is determined to make the most of them. The O's will be back in action this Saturday, January 25th when they travel to Roncalli High School to compete in a Triangular meet featuring the host team Roncalli Royals, Bloomington North Panthers, and our Columbus East Olympians. Meet time: 10 a.m. Good luck O's!