Morgan Algozine owns the state gymnastics meet's best-ever individual score, but team accomplishments are really what satisfies the Valparaiso senior gymnast.
"Nothing is more fun than celebrating as a team; it's the best feeling," said Algozine, who helped the Vikings win state titles as a freshman and sophomore. "Celebrating as a team is what makes me happy. That's what were are working for."
Algozine set her record mark on vault at last year's state meet, but the Vikings had their four-year state title reign ended by Fort Wayne Dwenger.
"I gained confidence (with the 9.95); it was awesome," said Algozine, who is also the reigning state all-around champ. "There's still work to be done. I keep (the loss) in the back of my mind. I use it to motivate me."
Algozine scored a 38.75 in all-around last season at state -- averaging out to at least 9.7 on each apparatus -- but she still sees room for improvement. She's even adding a full twist to her Yurchenko layout on vault.
"That's the fun thing about it; nothing is ever good enough," she said. "There's always room to do one more skill. More skills means more points for the team; that's what is important."
In her prep gymnastics career, Algozine already has four individual titles and 10 top-six finishes.
"Morgan is highly motivated," Valparaiso coach Lorie Cook said. "I think it was great for Morgan to enjoy her individual successes (last season), but it was tempered since we didn't win as a team."
While Algozine admits another state title is the goal, she's not willing to overlook the rest of the season to gain that title.
"You don't think (about state) at the meets," she said. "You use practices as motivation for state. It's a long season, but that mental motivation really helps."
Algozine and classmates Hannah Erwin and Emily Crossmer are the lone returning state competitors on a team of 22 -- which includes 10 freshmen. Algozine is steadfast in helping the team grow for future seasons.
"The girls are fun and it's nice to work with them," Algozine said, "I want to help them through things. I want them to be ready."
Algozine would love to compete in college, but she's not ready to focus on that part of her life just yet.
"I want to keep pushing myself, because that could (help) me in college," she admitted. "I'll think more about that once the (prep) season is over. I want to keep working hard until the last day and just be the best I can be for the team."
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