Overland celebrates its 5A gymnastics title last season. (Courtesy of Overland)
Overland gymnastics has had much success in the past five years, winning the state title every other year since 2009. With three championships over that span, Overland is a clear powerhouse in Colorado gymnastics and has the makeup to continue its streak.
The Trailblazers, who just barely outscored Broomfield 187.95 to 187.500 in winning the Class 5A title last season, return two all-state seniors, Devin Bundas and Kellyn Toole. Though they graduated two major contributing seniors, they also return seniors Maddie Venegas, McKenna Turhyne and Genesis Hathaway.
Bundas, who placed first in the floor exercise at state, missed her freshman and sophomore seasons due to injury. Her immediate success after such a hiatus leaves many hopeful for her senior season. Her teammate, Toole, finished right behind her in second place on the floor. The two could be a repeat duo again in the late October.
With four girls on each event, Overland will have a strong base for the season. And its main beam, coach Lisa Sparrow, returns for her 12th season with the Trailblazers.
“Last season’s success was made possible by a group of hardworking girls who were very focused heading into the state meet,” Sparrow said.
But despite the win, Sparrow isn’t completely satisfied with last year’s performance.
“We didn’t compete to our full potential at all our meets last season, even though we showed up one hundred percent to states,” Sparrow said. “Those were the aspects that were disappointing.
“This season we will have a different goal — compete to complete. We want to show up at every meet,” she added. “That will be a successful season in our eyes.”
Overland will put this goal to the test on August 21, when regular season begins.
Class 5A gymnastics
Defending individual champion: Taylor Molliconi, Mountain Range
Defending team champion: Overland
Returning All-State athletes: Devin Bundas, Sr, Overland; Sarah Holbrook, Jr, Broomfield; Kellyn Toole, Sr, Overland
Regular season begins: August 21
Regionals: October 25
State meet: Oct. 31-Nov. 1 at Thornton HS