Ruger wins gymnastics State Championship
Sophomore Liz Ruger won the State Championship for gymnastics last Saturday. By doing so, she became one of only three people from Richmond to achieve that title. Ruger placed first in floor with a score of 9.650 and won all-around with a score of 38.225.
Ruger was taken off guard by the events she won.
“Going into the meet I didn’t think that I could win,” she said. “I thought I would get second or third place. I knew I had a chance on vault, but I didn’t think floor or all around would be what I would win.”
Winning the championship was an emotional surprise, but Ruger feels it wasn’t just herself that got her to that title.
“I definitely did not expect to win,” she said. “It was a complete surprise and I started crying. It was very overwhelming. Getting first place was super exciting and I felt really proud of myself and my team for helping me get there.”
The gymnastics team made it to state last year, but did not have as much success.
“This year I think that me and the whole team had a lot more consistency and confidence because of our previous wins this season,” Ruger said. “We really put in the work at practice and did at least 4 routines every day.”
Saturday’s meet was unlike any other meet the team had faced before. Due to COVID-19, there were no spectators allowed. However, the absence of people allowed for a new encouraging environment.
“Competing with no crowd was really weird,” Ruger said. “It made it feel more like a practice than a real meet. I think it helped all of the teams become closer because we were cheering everybody on and the environment was just really friendly.”
Although the gymnastics team was able to end its 2020 season on a high note, they only plan on getting better.
“Next season,” Ruger said. “My goal is to win the Sectional again as a team and get to State again. I would really like to place again at state and hopefully win. I am going to upgrade all of my skills and routines and be better.”
