JIM PETERS: No dropoff for Valpo gymnastics team

Graduating a six-time state champion (Kellie Kidd), a four-time state meet veteran (Emily Holmen) and another girl with two years of state experience (Jessica Johnson) would exact a significant toll on most gymnastics programs.

Then again, Valparaiso isn't most programs.

"We don't lower the bar," coach Lorie Cook said. "More importantly, the kids don't lower the bar. We can talk all we want, but it's up to them. We've got 10 returning state champions. It's a team effort. They did their part last year. They've seen the way. They've had great leaders to show the example. They know what it takes ... what it's all about. Now they have to carry it on."

Valpo's roster features one senior, four juniors, seven sophomores and four freshmen. Their most accomplished gymnast is soph Steffanie Long, who placed third at state in floor exercise and eighth in all-around. Classmates Kaitlyn Neis and Allyson Kraft each did one event, and junior Kalyn O'Brien was an alternate on bars.

"Needless to say, we've got a nice base," Cook said.

Bolstering the group are a pair of strong all-arounders, sophomore Haley Whipps and frosh Morgan Algozine, and two more freshmen who will contribute, Hannah Erwin and Kassidy Swenson.

"Haley's very powerful. She has great skills. She competes well," Cook said. "Morgan's (all-around) doesn't have a weak event. She's very clean and light on her feet. Hannah looks like she can help us on bars and possibly beam. Kassidy has a lot of good skills in every event."

Get used to the names. You're going to be hearing them for a while.

"We're very capable right now of scoring very well. It remains to be seen if it will happen right away," Cook said. "It's just like a basketball team. They're not going to pop out without any background. Our theme is, work harder than everybody. That's what we're trying to do."

All are experienced gymnasts, though their training has come in club, a different animal than high school, especially at Valpo.

"Our emphasis is team rather than individual," Cook said. "To an extent, that carries more pressure, but I'd also like to think the system is a security blanket that makes it easier to compete."

This year's edition debuts Thursday at Crown Point.

"Two years ago, we came out of the gate sprinting and were able to turn it into a marathon," Cook said. "We busted out 114 at the Viking Invite. Last year, we gradually built our way up. Somebody asked me after four, five meets, 'when are you going to get out of the 111s?' We were undefeated both seasons, but we did it a little different way."

How will it unfold? Cook's not predicting a three-peat in January, but there is a tone of confidence in her voice.

"They definitely feel the desire to try to continue the Valpo tradition," she said. "Regardless of their ages, how much experience they have, we're going to train the same way. The goal is the same thing as before. They're going to go after it."

This column solely represents the writer's opinion. Reach him at jim.peters@nwi.com.