Columbus North’s Reese Euler competes on the vault during a gymnastics meet against Franklin Central at Columbus North High School in Columbus, Ind., Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2024.
The Republic file photo
Columbus North has qualified for the Gymnastics State Finals 17 consecutive years, the longest current streak in the state.
If they qualify this season — and with the talent they have coming back, there’s nothing to indicate they won’t — the Bull Dogs will tie the all-time record of 18 straight state appearances. They’ll be looking to better their fourth-place finishes from the past two years.
“Our first goal is to get to the state meet as a team,” veteran North coach Bob Arthur said. “Another goal would be to score and podium finish above where we were last year.”
One of the major reasons for Arthur’s optimism is the return of senior Reese Euler. Euler finished third at state in the all-around competition last year and placed in the top four in all four individual events.
“Reese is probably at this point, she could go into a competition tomorrow and do very well,” Arthur said. “I certainly think she’s going to be capable of a title on any of the four events.”
Junior Hannah Perry also returns after finishing ninth on the floor and 19th in the all-around at state last season.
“She had an injury during the summer,” Arthur said. “She’s progressing really well. She’s kind of had ups and downs battling injuries, but right now, she’s healthy.”
Three other gymnasts who competed at state last year return for the Bull Dogs. Sophomore Emerson Chambers was in three of the four events.
“She’s a pretty driven individual,” Arthur said. “She likes competition.”
Junior Ellie McIntier competed on two events at state.
“She’s been improving every event in adding some additional skills,” Arthur said. “I expect her to be an impact player this year.”
Senior Arwan Tian competed on the beam at state last year. Although she didn’t compete at state, junior Evie Richards saw some varsity action on the vault last season.
Freshmen Hayden Harper and Peyton Hewitt are veteran club gymnasts, and Arthur expects them to be impact players in the all-around. Freshman Addy Gill also will push for a varsity spot.
“I think our depth this year is better than what we’ve had in the last three of four years,” Arthur said. “We’ll have four very strong gymnasts in every event.
“I really like the chemistry on the team,” he added. “The girls all get along great. They’re like a group of sisters.”
North opens the season Jan. 8 at Franklin Central. The Bull Dogs will host Columbus East on Jan. 13.
“For the most part, we’re on schedule,” Arthur said. “You never quite know how they’re going to go until you get to the first competition. Right now, practice is going well. We’re working on the elements and getting them connected. I think we’ll have a real strong showing this year.”
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