Mead's Scheurer places 19th in all-around, qualifies for bars final | State gymnastics

For Mead gymnastics coach Hanna Bjerkestrand, it was a different kind of state meet Thursday night at Sammamish High School in Bellevue. It was the first time in her seven years as head coach that Mead did not qualify as a team.

Does Bjerkestrand thus view the season as a disappointment? “Disappointment?” she responded with wide eyes. “That word isn’t in my vocabulary.”

Injuries and illness hampered the Panthers throughout the season, and when one of Mead’s top scorers experienced back spasms during the state-qualifying district meet, Mead’s chances of reaching another state meet was dealt a final blow.

Bjerkestrand commends her gymnasts, the Greater Spokane League champions, for the determination they showed. “All season, whoever was available to be in the lineup gave their all,” she said. “We had so many unknowns, and when we had to switch people in and out, everyone was flexible and confident and did their part.”

Lake Washington won Thursday’s 4A meet with a team score of 177.4, followed by Woodinville (174.45), Camas (170.625), Lincoln of Seattle (170.275), Sumner (169.65) and Tahoma 159.3). Woodinville had won three of the past four 4A crowns. Lola Kongkarat of Woodinville won the all-around (38.075).

Mead’s Amaya Scheurer placed 19th in the all-around (34.65) and qualified for Friday’s individual finals on bars. Teammates Mason Bonnett and Delaney Christoff placed among the top 50 all-around finishers.

Before meet results were announced, former Mead coach Laurie Chadwick, who guided the Panthers as head coach for 27 years (winning a state title in 2012), was inducted into the Washington State Gymnastics Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Chadwick has served as Bjerkestrand’s assistant for the past seven years and has been coaching the sport for 38 years.