Ahrndt earns state berth on floor exercise

Mariah Ahrndt became the first Benson-KMS gymnast to advance to state in almost 10 years when she qualified for a state berth in the floor exercise at the Section 6A Gymnastics Meet, Saturday at Litchfield.
Willmar edged Melrose Area for the overall team title, while Greta Klaphake, of Melrose, won the all-around with a score of 36.65, edging two other gymnasts by two-tenths of a point.
However, Ahrndt finished sixth in the all-around (35.55) and Halle Hanson was seventh (34.45), and Ahrndt also earned the final state berth in the floor exercise by placing fifth with a score of 9.325.
The format for determining the state entrants was a little different this year.  Formerly, it was the top four in each event, regardless.  However, this year, the top three all-around gymnasts advance, along with the top three other gymnasts from each event.
“The girls did a great job and we’re excited for Mariah to make it to state,” coach Kathy Ahrndt said.  “Halle Hanson also had a great finish to her high school career by placing seventh in the all around.  She has been a consistent performer for our team the entire season. Her talent and leadership will be greatly missed next season.  Our entire team performed well during the tournaments.”
Willmar had a winning team score of 146.55 points, while Benson-KMS was fourth of 10 teams with a team score of 136.725.
The State Gymnastics Meet is set for Friday and Saturday at the University of Minnesota....
 
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Pictured: Mariah Ahrndt capped an excellent season of gymnastics by earning a state berth in the floor exercise.