GMC to balance top talent, youth movement

A lot of learning will take place this winter for the Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau/Melrose-Mindoro/Cochrane-Fountain City high school gymnastics co-op.

After graduating five seniors from last year’s team, a plethora of freshmen will step into major roles for the program this winter.

Luckily for coach Savannah Britton, the team is not without any returners — the team will rely on senior captains Trista Thill and Abby Miller. The latter qualified for last winter’s Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) state gymnastics meet for the third straight year.

The goal for this winter is to continue improving while trying to beat last year’s high team score of just over 137.

“With the younger group you definitely have to be a little bit more proactive with having set lesson plans since they are new to the high school atmosphere and all that,” Britton said.  “Definitely a learning experience for our freshmen.”

Tori Thoma, Brielle Hansen and Abby Bronstetter are all freshmen who will be relied upon in different events this winter. Thoma especially has demonstrated a strong work ethic so far and is in line for a good career, her coach said.

Both Miller and Thill act as co-captains for the team and will be relied upon to show the freshmen how to prepare and compete properly. 

“I have high expectations for those two,” Britton said.

Miller suffered from injuries for most of last season before qualifying for state, but they have new information and treatment for those this winter. Knowing the senior can practice at full speed again, there is a lot of potential—and hope—that the senior can make it to state again.

Miller tied for ninth at state last year in the vault, also taking 22nd in the beam and 20th in the all-around competition.

“I definitely think that she’s more than capable of making it to state for her fourth year in a row, and our hope is in the all-around again,” Britton said.

Especially with Miller returning, the youngsters can learn a lot from a gymnast who will lead the team alongside Thill, Britton thinks.

“I think it’s really motivating for the freshmen, and I especially think that it’s going to be even more motivating once they see her scores that she posts. I think it will really push a lot of these girls coming in to really up their work ethics and their willingness to try new things and work on upgrades for their routines.”

Special Sections

Comment Here