After losing all-state gymnast Adi Minor to graduation, Columbus East head coach Nancy Kirshman was looking forward to see who would step up in her place this season. Opening their season at home against Hoosier Hills Conference foe Seymour, the Olympians had strong performances by Taylen Lane and Taylor Gaskill in defeating the Owls handily 106.1-101.5.
“Today wasn’t too bad. We got to pick up in the three and four spot, but they did better than I expected,” said Kirshman. “This is a good opening for us. Losing Minor is a huge thing and our girls stepped up. Taylor and Taylen are our one-two punches. They have to do their jobs and the rest of the girls will have to step up.”
Lane placed second in the uneven bars (8.45), balance beam (9.3) and tied for first in the floor exercise (9.3) en route to a second place finish in the all-around (35.95). In the vault, Lane placed third (8.9).
Gaskill finished just behind Lane in the all around (35.85), but was able to place first in the uneven bars (8.85) and tie for the lead in floor exercise (9.3). Gaskill took second in the vault (9.15) and Elise Lasell placed third in the balance beam (9.1).
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“They did a good job,” Kirshman said. “It’s a learning curve. Next time you just got to decide if you don’t want to fall, you got to work harder, but we got off to a good start.”
The Olympians have time off to prepare for its next opponent in crosstown rival Columbus North on Jan. 7.
