The Hornets are back at state!

Big Lake’s gymnastics team hosted the Section 7A championships at Big Lake High School and captured first place amongst eight teams. The win primes the team for a return to the state tournament and a chance to garner back-to-back state titles.

The Hornets finished the section meet with 144.4 points, nearly five points ahead of second place Monticello. North Branch finished third, while Becker captured fourth with 134.475 points.

“It was an exciting meet and having fans in attendance from all the schools made the atmosphere unlike anything we’ve felt this season,” said Hornet Co-Coach Lanny Goldsmith.

Chisago Lakes took fifth, Maple Lake sixth, RPHF seventh and Princeton took eighth.

Becker’s Riley Norberg finished in second place on vault to North Branch’s Paige Bauer. Big Lake’s Lola Visci took third and Britney Krumrei took fifth.

On Bars, Krumrei captured second place to North Branch’s Dakota Esget. Autumn Grunewald of Big Lake took first on beam while Krumrei finished fourth.

On floor, Krumrei took first place with Visci right behind her in second. In all-around, Krumrei outscored Esget for first place with a score of 36.775.

“We are thankful for the opportunity to compete at the state meet for the second year in a row as a team and represent Big Lake High School and Section 7A gymnastics,” said Goldsmith. “Our team is made up of great veteran leaders, depth in our lineups, a lot of talent and incredible work ethic. Look for us to do some impressive things this Friday, March 26.

Big Lake also qualified five individuals for the state meet. This year, (due to restrictions) the girls won’t compete separately as individuals as in years past. Their score will count towards the team score and count for their individual placements as well. 

The other individuals who qualified from other schools in Big Lake’s section will compete with the Hornets too. The Hornet athletes who qualified and the events they made it on are as follows: Grace Kluk (captain) Bars; Kennadie Ell (captain) Beam; Autumn Grunewald (section champ) Beam; Lola Visci Vault, Beam, Floor; Britney Krumrei (section champ) All Around.