The numbers may be down for the Standley Lake gymnasts, but the situation does nothing to detract from the competitive atmosphere. After all, there is some fine talent ready to go for Kristen Larrington, who begins her 11th season as the Gators’ coach.

“I don’t think we have a lot of depth for this season as we lost so many from last year,” Larrington said. “The key is to make sure everyone can stay healthy and not get injured. We only have 11 girls, but these girls are solid. I think we can still score in the middle 170’s, so I’m still very much encouraged.”

Standley Lake placed ninth in last season’s Class 5A state tournament with a score of 176.875. That wasn’t a bad score when one considers that the Gators did not have any team members place among the top six in any of the individual events.

Helping lead the way for Standley Lake this season will be juniors Maddie York and Jordan Ireland. York has been a mainstay for the Gators the past two seasons, and Ireland joins the team after competing at the club level.

“I’m excited, and I think we have a bunch of good girls,” said York, who was All-league on floor.  “Our key is to stay healthy and not get injured. I do think my best event will be floor again. I’m a little weak on bars, but overall feel pretty good. I’m also pleased with my beam. Being All-league has helped me gain a lot of confidence.”

Ireland is more than pleased to join the high school competition as she has been a fairly high-ranked club gymnast.

“I’m excited to be on the team this year,” Ireland said. “I was No. 1 on floor for much of the season, but I had a back injury near the end of the season. It still hurts a bit, but certainly getting better. I feel solid in vaulting and will be doing the best I can, too, on bars and beam. I’m going to go hard and just do the best I can for the team.”

Junior Hanna Bissani had not come out for the team at the beginning of the season, but Larrington said she hopes Bissaniwill soon be joining the squad. Seniors Bree Polson and Mikaela Fatzinger will certainly add experience to the Gators this season.

“Numbers are down, as I mentioned,” Larrington said. “But the desire to do well from all the girls is present, and that certainly is a key.”

Broomfield won the title, 187.625, followed by Fort Collins (183.85) and Overland (183.7). Rocky Mountain’s Keri Peel was the All-around champion with a score of 38.925, while her teammate, Lauren Glover was second, 38.75.

The individual event champions last season were Clarie Hammond of Loveland on vault (9.8) and floor (9.85), Lauren Glover of Rocky Mountain on beam (9.70) and Erica Pollock of Fort Collins on bars (9.7).