PLAINFIELD — First-year Plainfield gymnastics coach Stephanie Strout has set a lot of goals for her program — but none resonates more clearly than the ultimate goal.
“We want to be top in the state,” Strout said. “That was my every intention when I took the position. I love challenges. They’ve been weak here the last few years, but have had success in the past. I want to bring that back to Plainfield.”
The Lady Quakers saw first-hand what it takes to be one of the top programs in the state when they faced No. 6 Bloomington South last Thursday night. The Lady Panthers pulled out the victory, but Plainfield continued a streak that started at the beginning of the season — improving its team score with each meet. The Lady Quakers posted 96.5 points versus BHSS, as they inch toward one of their many season goals.
“The girls have been working really hard, and we’re hoping to break (100 points) this season,” Strout said. “Every meet, we’ve improved our score. I feel that we have a lot of improvement still, but it’s still early in the season.”
The Lady Quakers’ 10-girl squad is both bottom and top heavy, with three seniors and five freshmen. The headliner is a viable star — freshman Tori Johnson.
Johnson gave up the sport two years ago to focus on competitive cheerleading, which she also continues to excel at. Before dropping gymnastics, she was a Level 9 performer, with Level 10 Elite status being Olympic class.
Strout said Johnson would’ve had no problem attaining that status if she hadn’t taken the break. Still, the skills remain, and she said Johnson is improving daily.
“Tori is very dedicated to gymnastics and to her school,” Strout said. “She dropped out a couple of years ago, but found out that they had a team here, and she wanted to help out her school. She’s just a wonderful child to work with.”
When Johnson competes in an event, all eyes turn to her, including those of her competitors. Her ankles appear to actually be cushioned springs. Still, regardless of her obvious talent, gymnastics may not be her true calling. Her father said she is already getting looks from major Division I colleges for cheerleading.
Strout has also been impressed with her other freshmen — especially Andrea Morken, Rachel Leath (third in all-around versus BHSS), and Taylor Morrison.
“Andrea still has a few fears on beam, but she’s one of our strongest all-arounds,” she said. “Rachel has improved tremendously, and Taylor never had any gymnastics experience, but has been a top scorer in two events for us.”
Strout’s seniors — Jessica Stewart (third in floor exercise against BHSS), Jill Heffernan, and Aubrey Roberts — have been key in leading the younger gymnasts by example, both on and off the mat.
“It’s going to be hard to lose Jessica and the other seniors,” Strout said. “Jessica has been a very, very good influence for the girls when it comes to behavior and respect — things that you don’t find as much in high school girls anymore. The team unity that we have alone is going to help the girls grow in the sport.”
Also aiding in the younger gymnasts’ development will be a new offseason training regimen, that will be housed at Strout’s new gym, The Flip Zone.
“By starting my club, I’m able to develop a feeder-program, and we’ll have a middle school program starting here,” Strout said. “That’s our goal over the next four years, is to develop a club team that will feed directly into the high school program.
“Our girls have never worked in the offseason, ever. It’s the most important thing. Gymnastics is a year-round sport. What is going to make our program change is having these girls involved in a set program all year round. That’s what makes (the state’s elite teams).”
Starting this year, Strout wants to build a new tradition for Plainfield gymnastics. Part of that will be putting up new team achievement banners and yearly team photos in an effort to “keep the spirit alive.” Strout also acknowledges that without the “overwhelming” support of the school and athletics department, such improvements wouldn’t be possible.
Even though much time and effort is being put into the program’s future, the focus still remains on the here and now.
“Our goal for our team this season is to get through sectionals and qualify for regionals,” Strout said. “We also want to get at least one of our gymnasts to state this year.”
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