Spartans punch regional ticket; VanWinkle, Ruf lead Patriot and Wildcat efforts

CONNERSVILLE — Local gymnasts took to the floor Saturday at the Connersville sectional, where the host Spartans managed to extend their season by snagging the third and final regional qualifying spot. With a collective 97.300, Connersville trailed only sectional winner New Palestine (105.400) and New Castle (98.650).

Kierra McKinney was the engine for the Spartan scoring. She notched a 33.525 to take sixth in the individual all-around, fueled by fourth-place finishes on both the bars (8.300) and beam (8.375). McKinney also posted an 8.450 on vault and an 8.400 on floor.

Ainsley Bodwell was right behind her in the all-around standings, placing seventh with a 32.100. Bodwell’s 8.850 on the floor was the highest individual event placement for the Spartans, earning her sixth. She rounded out her day with an 8.550 vault and an 8.000 on beam. Alaina Daniels (31.300 all-around) and Izzy Couch (8.275 vault) provided the depth needed to keep Connersville ahead of fourth-place Shelbyville.

Union County finished the afternoon in eighth place as a team (31.900). Autumn VanWinkle handled the all-around duties for the Patriots, finishing in a tie for eighth overall with a 31.900. Her floor routine was a highlight, as her 8.400 put her in a tie for eighth in that specific event. VanWinkle also cracked the top ten on vault with an 8.475, while adding a 7.550 on beam and 7.475 on bars.

Franklin County took 12th place with a 14.250 team total. Rachael Ruf represented the Wildcats in two events, notably tying for 10th on the bars with a 7.275. She also turned in a 6.975 on the beam.

While New Palestine and New Castle took the top two rungs, the Spartans’ third-place finish ensures the local crowd will have a team to root for in the regional round next week.