By LILY WICHERT

The Bellefonte Varsity Gymnastics team is currently preparing to take on the 2018-2019 season. The team will soon meet regularly to practice skills and routines for their upcoming meets.

Last year, the team consisted of 14 members, including team captain Emily Hovies and team manager Katelyn Auman.

Head Coach Kelsey Wellar looks forward to the approaching season, and is excited to see the new faces and opportunities following.

“We did not lose any seniors this year,” Coach Wellar said. “All of our returning letter winners will be returning this season. We have great depth from our returning athletes and some new talent in the freshman class.”

Since the team will not be losing any senior members from last season, this year could potentially be one of the largest the teams the gymnastics department has experienced. A variety of talent on the team may prove to be a crucial advantage in their performances throughout the season.

“I expect the team to do great this year,” Coach Wellar said. “I always have high expectations for my team each year, and they always seem to deliver throughout the season.”

The teaember 11 at the Bellefonte Area Middle m is hard a work to perfect their skills in time for their next meet on December 14 against Ridge Way after a tough loss to Altoona on DecSchool.

Team captain Emily Hovies also has high expectations for the rest of the season.

“We have some new girls coming in and I am so excited to see what everyone has been working on at open gyms for the past couple months,” Emily said.

Emily has large goals for herself and the rest of the team to accomplish by the end of the season.

“This year, a big goal I have for our team is to make it on the podium at districts and states,” Emily said.

The girls prove to have strong relationships among each member of the team, and support each other throughout the season.

“We love what we do and support each other no matter what. That is what makes us work harder for for every goal we set for ourselves.”