The Manitowoc Lincoln Girls Gymnastics team competes tomorrow in the WIAA State Meet at Wisconsin Rapids. Ships Coach Jacque Bartow tells Seehafer News “they’re excited to go back to state as a team…which is always their number goal.”
“They’ve been through a lot in the past couple of years with the pandemic, injuries and illness. So, I’m super proud of how hard the team worked on staying focused and reaching their goal.”
Coach Bartow credits her athletes for responding to her coaching plans, saying, “I ask a lot of my girls and every time I put it out there this is what you have to add to your routine, this is what we have to do to cleanup, they responded. And I give the kids a lot of credit for having that drive and determination….adding sometimes it’s hard for a kid to take that kind of criticism.”
Ashley Block, one of three seniors on the squad, aims to have her best showing of the season at state after experiencing it three years ago as a freshman.
“I definitely hope so…I’m hoping to go out there and have a fun time because it’s my last meet for my career in gymnastics. What about the atmosphere down there? It’s fun to see the best of the best, it has a little bit of that pageantry I guess ‘cause every one is looking their best and feeling their best. It’s definitely cool to witness.”
She also reflected on her coach’s influence, saying, “Yeah, she’s super passionate, she finds a way to keep it exciting and keep you driven. And, really focuses on the team aspect of gymnastics, which makes us stronger overall I would say.”
Lincoln is involved Saturday in the Division 1 team and individual championships, starting at 10:30 a.m. Activity in Division 2 occurs this afternoon and evening.
