Changing routine: Senior duo of Rogers, Johnson leads Mount Si gymnastics into new 4A era

Published 2:50 pm Friday, December 12, 2014

Two seniors, an experienced sophomore, and some talented newcomers should make for a strong varsity eight for Mount Si gymnastics.

Jenn Rogers and Hailey Johnson, the seniors, have started all four winters here. Rogers is a talented tumbler who is good in all events, and Johnson has been Mount Si’s go-to vaulter.

Rogers was Mount Si’s top scorer in 3A. She got fourth in state on bars and tied for eighth on the floor. Fresh from varsity volleyball, she’s training and honing her energetic floor routine, which has evolved since freshman year. She’s got a personal goal of going back once more to state.

“Four-A is a lot more competitive, so we’ll see what happens,” Rogers said. “We have a small team but a lot of talent. So I’m not worried about it.”

“I am pretty much starting where I ended up last year,” said Rogers, who is returning with the same routines she ended last season, and looking to add a new series on beam.

Knocking the rust off, Johnson said she’s looking forward to competing with a completely different team.

Among returners, Maggie Kenow is back as a junior, bringing good all-around skills (she was Mount Si’s third top scorer on floor, and fourth on beam after Johnson at state last year). Sophomore Samantha Holmes will be making an impact on floor, and also worked on her vault technique in the offseason. She’s a former club gymnast. Floor is her focus because she’s always been a powerful tumbler.

It’s a small group but a tight-knit squad.

“We’re all that much closer,” Holmes said.

Head coach Jessica Easthope has helmed this team for eight seasons. She loves “seeing where they go with their gymnastics.”

Easthope’s freshman group is the first wave of budding feeder program via the local Mount Si Gymnastics Academy. Several newcomers have done club from a young age.

The team’s 4A competition will offer a learning experience. It’s been several years since Mount Si met any 4A teams in non-league meets. Likely teams to beat in 4A KingCo include Bothell, Woodinville and Newport.

“Who knows what each school will have to offer,” said Easthope. “Every year is different.”

In the next few matches, watch the Wildcats start to come into its own and peak in the postseason.

MSHS Gymnastics Schedule

Thursday, Dec. 11

Mount Si hosts Redmond, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 18

Mount Si vs. Woodinville at Liberty, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 8

Mount Si hosts Inglemoor and Newport, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 15

Mount Si vs. Skyline at Inglemoor, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 22

Mount Si vs. Eastlake at Interlake, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 29

Mount Si hosts Issaquah, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 7

KingCo tournament at Newport

Friday, Feb. 20

State tournament at Tacoma Dome