Gymnasts continue routine of dominance as season winds down

The bar is set high as the Oshkosh gymnastics team strives to “stick” their season’s success by landing a spot at state. 

Wendy Schlies stepped back into her role as head coach last year, bringing with her a determination to push each of her athletes to their fullest potential.

“My favorite part of coaching is the challenge that comes with every athlete and finding success for each of them,” she said. “Everybody’s story is a little bit different and their strengths are all a little bit different, so I like the challenge of trying to find successful pieces for each of my athletes.”

Gymnastics is a sport of perfection, and considering the girls practice five days a week, they are bound to experience ups and downs. However, junior Neva Schlies finds comfort in moving her body and executing her skills. 

“It allows me to take out all of the emotions I feel from the day,” she said. “It’s a space where I feel comfortable and safe to be myself. It also helps my mind and body to stay in shape while becoming stronger.”

Senior and six-year gymnast Janiyah Ford agrees that while gymnastics can be the highlight of her day, it can also be the source of immense stress. 

“For the most part, it only affects my mental health when I’m having a bad day,” she said. “I start to think ‘I’m not a good gymnast, why am I doing this?’ but I remind myself that I can do it and that the little things aren’t as big as they seem. Focusing on that helps me stay positive.”

This newfound mindset has already enhanced Ford’s season. 

“The other years I spent so much time stressing over little things,” she said. “This year I’ve really been letting loose and it’s gone well for me. I do better when we compete because I’m not as nervous and I can just stay in my zone and focus on what I know how to do best.”

While senior athletes often feel pressure to finish their athletic career on a high, the phenomenon has been effortless for Ford as she soaks in her team’s company. 

“This is the most fun I’ve had out of all three years I’ve been doing it,” she said. “I’ve spent a lot of bonding time with the girls and the coaches.”

Senior Henna Kaiser concurs that her teammates play a role in her love for the sport.

“We’ve all connected really well this year,” she said. “The sport itself is fun but I think the people make it even better.”

However, the sport’s inevitable stress can cause clashes from time to time. Schlies emphasizes the importance of establishing a kind and uplifting atmosphere.

“There’s always going to be some conflict and some resolution, so working through it and getting everybody looking at the same end goal for the team is important,” she said. “It makes the dynamic really difficult if we aren’t all invested.”

Ford reflects on her own individual goals.

“I really want to make it to state, but honestly that’s not my biggest goal,” she said. “I want to influence the younger classes to just have fun and enjoy the sport while they have it. And to let loose and not stress about the little things.”

Despite the team’s success, they struggle to gain recognition among the student body and Oshkosh community. Schlies wishes that more individuals would recognize the talent displayed from the gymnastics team. 

“This sport doesn’t always receive as much recognition as it needs,” she said. “They are two-time conference champs, going for a third conference title this season and so it is important to recognize the talent and the abilities that these girls have.”

Kaiser agrees.

“A lot of people don’t pay that much attention to it and I think they should,” she said. “It’s a really fun sport and it’s really fun to watch as well.”

Schlies emphasizes the hard work and time the girls put in at the gym.

“They come in, they work hard, and they are determined,” she said. “They have a goal in sight and they are working hard to achieve that goal.”

by Genna Blustin

Published on February 24 2024

Oshkosh West Index Volume 121 Issue V