Miller takes 12th at state gymnastics competition

Cheney High gymnast Alexis Miller made the most of her second trip to the 1A/2A/3A state gymnastics championships at the Tacoma Exhibition Hall, Feb. 17.

Miller finished 12th out of 96 athletes in the balance beam with a score of 8.875 points.

To qualify for the finals, Miller posted a score of 9.050. She also finished 25th in the floor exercise (9.2), tied for 52nd in the vault (8.1) and was 53rd in the uneven bars (6.85).

Miller's sister, Makayla Miller, tied for 27th in the uneven bars (7.725).

"I think the nerves were getting to the kids," head coach Jaelyn Gardner said. "Competing at state is a different environment. Alexis had a fall on the second day of the beam, but she finished 12th, which was exciting."

Alexis Miller was named to the all-Greater Spokane League's second team in the vault, bars and beam. The GSL also selected Jamie Frucci as an assistant coach of the year.

Gardner said Frucci, who was an assistant coach at Lewis and Clark for four years, brought "experience and insight into what it's like to compete in the GSL."

"She made a huge impact," Gardner added.

Several athletes are expected to return next season, including the Miller sisters and Kyli Mayhew, who qualified for regionals this year.

"Kyli did well for a freshmen and it's good to know that we might have her for three more years," Gardner said. "If she sticks with it, she'll go to state. All of the kids progressed very well this year. Some competed in events they never thought they would."

Gardner said she and Frucci are already planning for next year. While the team's practices will still be held at Mountain View Gymnastics in Airway Heights, Gardner is hoping they can host a meet at Cheney High School.

"We're also trying to figure out ways to bring more kids onto the team next year," Gardner said.

Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].