Pomona out to defend its gymnastics title
ARVADA — Pomona gymnastics has a chance to continue its run of record-breaking performances from last year.
The Panthers not only claimed the school’s first girls state team title in any sport last year winning the Class 5A state title, Pomona did it in record-setting fashion setting the all-classification record of 190.925 points in the team race.
“We didn’t really think about the scoring record. We as coaches knew of that possibility, but everything would have to go right. That was kind of frosting on the cake,” longtime Pomona gymnastics coach Tracey Boychuk said. “Bringing the first female state (team) title to Pomona was huge. This is a school full of tradition and full of pride, it always had been. We had so many (girls) teams come so close.”
Pomona’s gymnastics team set the table in what was an outstanding school year athletically. The Panthers’ wrestling and boys track joined the gymnastics team in winning 5A championships during the 2015-16 school year.
Not only does the Panthers have the opportunity to repeat as state champions this fall with the likes of junior Kelsey Boychuk and sophomore Brooke Weins — top two placers in the all-around — but Boychuk has a shot to win her third straight all-around title.
“I know it’s in the back of her mind,” Coach Boychuk said of Kelsey, her daughter, having the chance to become the first four-time all-around state champion in the state. “We don’t talk about it that much. I don’t want her to feel all that pressure. Would it be fantastic? Absolutely.”
While being halfway from making history is in Kelsey’s mind, she is still focused on the team and not her individual accomplishments.
“I focus more on having fun and do it for my team,” Kelsey said. “Gymnastics is one of those sports where you need to stick together as a team.”
Senior Kylie Stecklein confirmed that the best gymnast in 5A over the past two years is about team first.
“Kelsey is all for the team,” Stecklein said. “She is never worried about herself. She is always worried about someone else on the team.”
Senior Annabel Spence will be another key piece to Pomona’s puzzle this season. Spence placed in the top-10 in the all-around, bars, beam and vault at state last season.
“Last year we really never believed or imaged that could happen,” Spence said of winning the team title. “Now we know we are that good and it is possible.”
While there will be a target on the back of the Panthers this season as the defending state champs. However, Spence believes if Pomona stays close as a team a repeat is within reach.
“We’ve just got to think about having fun and staying positive,” Spence said. “If we have those thoughts and with the work we’ll put in it will come.”
Coach Boychuk admits that staying healthy is a huge factor in gymnastics during the season that will conclude with the 5A and 4A state meets Nov. 4 and 5 at Thornton High School.
“I know we are a strong team. The key in high school gymnastics is staying healthy and making it count when it’s supposed to,” Coach Boychuk said. “The year is always full of ups and downs. Of course we would love to repeat, but that doesn’t happen all the often. We’ll see.”
