Area gymnasts to compete at state

Connersville junior Lillie Bischoff and Northeastern senior Aubrie Irving qualified for the 2026 IHSAA state championships following regional competition last Friday.

Bischoff qualified on the Vault, Bars, and Floor at the Franklin Central regional as part of a expanded field. The top 3 regional teams advanced as complete squads to state. The top 6 All-Around and event individuals, regardless of school, also advanced. New this year is the additional qualifications from the first All-Around competitor and the top 3 individuals amongst those not already advancing.

“Lillie is a good person to work with and coach,” Connersville Head Coach Joann Borders said. “She’s very hard worker. Once you tell her how to do something, she will remember that and do that. Occasionally I have to remind her, but she’s harder on herself than the coaches are on her. She expects a lot from herself and works hard to get there. The only thing that hurts her is confidence in herself.”

Bischoff started regional with a 8.45 on the Bars, and collected a Vault of 8.75 She overcame a late season ankle injury for a 8.875 on the Floor.

“She was rolled her foot, and crawled off the floor,” Borders said. “We weren’t even sure she’d even do the Shelbyville meet.”

A fall on the Beam resulted in 7.975 for Bischoff. Irvine qualified with an 8.8 on the Vault. She is a 4-time regional qualifier and specializes on the Vault. After beginning youth gymnastics in Richmond, Irvine began training with Borders at the Connersville Gymnastics Center to focus on Vault. After her first regional appearance as a freshman, Irvine collected top 10 finishes in 2024 and 2025. She has trained and competed with the Lady Spartans over the last 4 years.

“She’s got a good, dynamic vault,” Connersville assistant coach Heidi Davidson said. “She’s just has to be spot on. I’m proud of her making it her senior year. With the change of the rule, it helps those that are on the edge of  placing have that opportunity to compete at the state level.”

Opening ceremonies for the 2026 state meet begin at 11:00 a.m. today at Ball State’s Worthen Arena. The New Palestine Lady Dragons won their first regional championship in program history out of Franklin last Friday. Valparaiso and Angola claimed regional championships out of Portage and Huntington North, respectively. The Connersville coaches will split the difference between two state meets this weekend. Davidson will accompany Bischoff and Irving to IHSSA state, while Borders oversees the USA Gymnastics youth team at their championships.