Columbus North’s Reese Euler competes on the bars Saturday March 11 at the Gymnastics State Finals in Muncie.
The Republic file photo
Columbus North has established itself as one of the state’s elite gymnastics programs, having qualified for the state finals 17 years in a row, the state’s longest active streak.
After finishing fourth at state last year, the Bull Dogs have every intention at making it back to Muncie, and perhaps landing on the awards podium once again.
“We have a pretty good group of girls coming back,” veteran North coach Bob Arthur said. “Being the beginning of the year, we’re certainly not battle-ready for a big tournament, but I think we have the power to do it if the girls stay focused on that.”
Junior Reese Euler has her sights on one or more individual titles. Euler finished second on the bars, fourth on the beam, fifth on the vault and fourth in the all-around at last year’s state meet.
“She is progressing well,” Arthur said. “She seems to be pretty well prepared to go into the first part of the season. There’s still some polishing to be done to hopefully put her higher on the podium, and I think that’s her goal, as well.”
Senior Laney Acton and sophomore Hannah Perry each competed on three events at the state finals.
“Hannah is going to be able to do all-around this year,” Arthur said. “She was restricted by an elbow injury last year, and she’s been working hard on bars, so she’ll be competing all-around this year.”
Junior Braden Bostic competed on the bars, and sophomore Ellie McIntier competed on the vault at state. Junior Arwyn Tian competed in the regional.
Sophomores Evey Richards and Jaedyn Greenlee also return. They are joined by senior newcomer Neftali Juarez and freshman Emerson Chambers
“Emerson I think is going to be a real good supporting member of the team as a freshman,” Arthur said.
Sandy Freshour, who spent several years alongside Arthur as a co-coach, is back as an assistant for this year’s team. New to the staff is Claire Thompson, who won multiple state titles, including the 2016 all-around, when she led North to the state team championship.
The Bull Dogs open the season Wednesday against Franklin Central, then visit Columbus East on Jan. 8.
“We are probably not quite far along as we normally would be,” Arthur said. “But the girls are progressing well, and I think by the end of the season, we’ll be where we want to be. We’re still struggling to get through routines a little bit, but you have to start somewhere.”
The 2024 Columbus North gymnastics schedule:
Wednesday vs. Franklin Central, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 8 at Columbus East, 6 p.m.
Jan. 11 at Bloomington North, 6 p.m.
Jan. 18 at New Palestine, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 25 vs. Bloomington South, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 1 vs. Seymour, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 6 at Roncalli, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 10 at Connersville Invitational, 10 a.m.
Feb. 12 in Conference Indiana at Bloomington North, 7 p.m.
