Prior Lake High School gymnasts achieve record state qualifiers and team scores

During the recent Board of Education meeting, the achievements of the Prior Lake High School gymnastics team took center stage, highlighting a remarkable year for the athletes. The team celebrated a historic milestone, sending five individual state qualifiers to the state competition, marking the highest number in the school's history.

This year, the gymnastics team not only qualified more athletes than ever before but also set a new school record for the overall team score. They achieved the highest score ever recorded by Prior Lake High School and broke individual records on vault, beam, and floor exercises.

The standout gymnasts included Madeline Shappee, who excelled in floor exercise and vault; Annie Drain, who competed in all-around, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise, finishing fifth in the state and becoming the second most decorated gymnast in the school's history with three state appearances; Claire Drain on uneven bars; Ava Loftness on vault; and Brooklyn Thorson on balance beam and floor exercise.

The Board recognized the hard work and dedication of the athletes and their coaches—Patrick Kleckner, Liv Speitzer, Julie Siegel, Amanda Montplacier, and Kimberly New—commending their efforts in achieving these significant accomplishments. This celebration of success not only reflects the talent within the school but also fosters community pride and support for local sports programs.