Bianchi and Betsch head to State

By ANDY ROGERS

Journal Sports Editor

NEW ULM -- Amber Bianchi and Allison Betsch earned the right to participate in the State Individual Gymnastics meet Saturday after placing third in their respective events.

Bianchi earned a third-place finish at the Class 1A individual meet in the floor exercises with a score of 9.4. Bianchi broke her old mark of 9.3 from the 1999-2000 season in the floor exercises with her score of 9.4.

Betsch recorded an 8.9 in the bars for the Eagles to also earn a state trip.

Their coach couldn't say enough good things about the two athletes.

"Both girls are very deserving of the trip to the state tournament," coach Jeanine Backer said. "They are talented, determined, dedicated, hardworking, humble, goal orientated athletes."

Backer has been coaching Bianchi since she was about nine years old when she was selected from recreational classes to join the club team.

"It was apparent to me immediately that Amber was cutout to be a gymnast," Backer said. "Her lighthearted attitude allowed her to compete at ease. Her ability to do this gives her the gift of 'showing off' her floor routine."

Bianchi earned All Conference honors this year and earned All State honors the past three years. She's also competed at state before.

"It's been a priviledge to be able to compete with the best gymnasts in the state," Bianchi said. "I've worked hard to get where I am and competing in this meet is a reward an honor."

Bianchi's event is the floor, with a routine that includes two flip-flops, one flip and half twists, which she follows with front twisting flips and finishing with two flip-flops and one twist.

"Amber is a joy to watch on the floor," Backer said. "It is truly entertaining."

Betsch has been in competitive gymnastics for six years, and she's been with New Ulm for two since moving from North Dakota.

"Coming from North Dakota, there was not a lot of participation in gymnastics," Betsch said. "There is more support for the program here in Minnesota."

Betsch is competing in the bars, which she's a natural at, according to Backer.

"Bars in the only event in gymnastics that do not require tumbling but immense strength and swing," Backer said. "Betcsh is one of the strongest girls on the team. She is an intense competitor and has learned a lot in the last two years."

Betsch has been working on something special she may use this weekend.

"She's working on a giant swing around the high bar, which with significantly increase the value of her routine," Backer said.

Betsch says she's gained a lot from gymnastics that has helped in her many ways in life.

"Being dedicated to gymnastics has given me physical and mental strength," Betsch said. "It's helped me in the gym and at school."

Particpating in track has helped both girls with their gymnastics, according to Backer.

"Many of the girls on our team are well-rounded athletes," Backer said. "Most of our gymnasts participate in other sports during the fall and spring. I've seen improvement in Amber and Allison's leg power from their involvement in track."

The Class 1A individual meet will be Saturday at Roy Wilkins River Centre in St. Paul.