SIOUX FALLS — Dakota Gold Academy of Watertown wrapped up its regular season recently at the South Dakota State USA Gymnastics Championships.
The club athletes brought home a team championship and a combined 53 individual medals (16 gold, 19 silver and 18 bronze).
Athletes who qualified and elected to attend Regionals, prepare for those postseason meets coming up in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The DGA gymnasts will compete against athletes from the seven states included in Region 4; Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
DGA's Xcel Diamond team brought home its second straight state champion team title. Team members include Joy Sullivan, Jenna Simmons, Jessalyn Zimprich and Macie Stein. Sullivan and Zimprich each earned All-Star honors, Simmons won a balance beam title and Stein earned a silver in the balance beam at the state meet.
"Competing as an all-around gymnast at this level is challenging, as gymnasts can be stronger on some events over others," DGA owner Liz Linneman said. " However, each of the Diamond Team members qualified individually for the all-around competition at the state meet, in addition to standing out on key events."
International elite gymnast and coach Will Ropero came in as a pro clinician during the season to expand the club's curriculum, leading to record-breaking score improvements by athletes within each level.
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