Duneland Athletic Conference
CHESTERTON
Gymnasts to watch: Lindsey Campbell, Jr.; Marisa Myers, Jr.; Brandi Tuzinski, Jr.
Outlook: Tuzinski advanced to state as an individual qualifier last season, and she's part of a strong junior trio. Seniors Sarah Turner and Amanda Erxleben have returned to the lineup. Sophomore Mary Choucalas and freshmen Taylor Rodriguez and Jordan Kearby are new to the 16-person squad.
Quote: "(We're) looking forward to some depth in our numbers that we didn't have last year and hoping to be able to take more girls to state this year." !~ Coach Lauren West
CROWN POINT
Gymnasts to watch: Megan Supan, Sr.; Samantha Nicol, Jr.; Natalie Groff, Jr.; Hannah Best, Fr.
Outlook: This season could be one of Crown Point's strongest with the return of several experienced gymnasts. The addition of Best has already paid dividends, as she helped the Bulldogs win the LaPorte Pairs on Dec. 15.
Quote: "Having better bars and vault should put us to the next competitive level." !~ Coach Ami Pysh
LAKE CENTRAL
Gymnasts to watch: Brittany Vanek, Sr.; Darian Cooper, Sr.; Emily Costello, Sr.; Jackie Schymanski, Sr.; Andi Wartman, So.; Megan Misirly, Fr.; Amaris Galleghos, Fr.
Outlook: Top all-arounder Haley Bartolomei graduated, and the Indians may be in the midst of a rebuilding year. Some incoming freshmen will likely step right into varsity spots, but the biggest newcomer is assistant coach Michelle Anghel, who has more than 30 years of gymnastics coaching experience.
Quote: "The kids look a lot better and have a lot better understanding of their technical work (with Anghel)." !~ Coach Bryan Yancy
LAPORTE
Gymnasts to watch: Emily Sightes, Sr.; Hannah Sightes, Sr.; Sydney Rusboldt, Sr.
Outlook: Alum Emily Crabtree, a 2007 graduate, moves from assitant coach to head coach this season. State qualifier Abaigale Light graduated, but juniors Kylie Harlow, Marisa Hill, Melanie Smith and Maddie Kessler provide depth to support the returning senior trio.
Quote: "Confidence is the key factor. These girls have to realize they have the skills to be able to make it." !~ Crabtree
MERRILLVILLE
Gymnasts to watch: Amy Aponte, Sr.; Lauren Lamb, Sr.; Hannah Lane, Sr.; Taylor Woods, Jr.; Kristina Goodman, Jr.; Bethani Rotchefurt, Fr.
Outlook: The Pirates didn't lose anybody from last season's team, which should only mean improvement all-around. Woods, last season's team MVP, should continue to score highly at meets. Rotchefurt should make an impact as a freshman for coach Diane Roberts, who is in her 40th year as a coach.
Quote: "The good news is we didn't have to fill any shoes. From top to bottom, we should be better than last year." !~ Roberts
MICHIGAN CITY
Gymnast to watch: Ashley Koza, So.
Outlook: A youthful squad placed sixth at last season's Chesterton Sectional. Coach Gillian Kieft hopes to see improvements this season.
PORTAGE
Gymnasts to watch: Mackeznie Barcelli, Sr.; Lyndsey Cunningham, Sr.; Madison Kurtz, So.; Danielle Solis, Jr.
Outlook: Freshman Krystal Fitchett provides depth for a quality veteran roster. The Indians finished fourth at state last season in their first team appearance since 1979. The squad wants both a return trip and a higher finish.
Quote: "They were left unsatisified. We just need to relax more and have more confidence in what we do. I don't think we realized what we could do last year." !~ Coach Karen Barcelli
VALPARAISO
Gymnasts to watch: Morgan Algozine, Sr.; Emily Crossmer, Sr.; Hannah Erwin, Sr.
Outlook: Defending all-around champ Algozine plus two classmates return from last year's starting roster. There are 22 members on the team, including 10 freshmen, so depth shouldn't be an issue. After a four-year reign as state champions, the Vikings finished second at state last year. That fact provides motivation for this season.
Quote: "You have to have both short- and long-term goals. The goal is to win a state championship, but it's nice to try to win every meet along the way." !~ Coach Lorie Cook
Independents
BOONE GROVE
Outlook: The program returned last season, and the squad hopes to improve this time around.
HOBART
Outlook: The Brickies finished ninth at last season's Chesterton Sectional. They'll look for improvement, but will need to fill the shoes of a handful of graduated seniors.
LOWELL
Outlook: The Red Devils finished 10th in last season's Chesterton Sectional. New coach Joe Rodenbucher takes the reins, and will try to help the program grow stronger.
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