WINONA, Minn. – The Winona State University gymnastics team is preparing to host the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Championships this Saturday, March 7th, at McCown Gymnasium. The event, which also serves as a regional qualifier for the National Collegiate Gymnastics Association (NCGA) West Regional, promises a competitive showcase of talent as the Warriors aim to perform at their best on home soil. This year’s WIAC Women’s Gymnastics Championship/NCGA West Regional is presented by Culver’s.
The competition is structured into two sessions. The first session, beginning at 12:30 p.m., will feature Winona State competing against Simpson College, UW-Stout, Gustavus Adolphus College, and Hamline University. The second session, slated to start at 6:00 p.m., will showcase UW-Oshkosh, UW-Whitewater, UW-La Crosse, and UW-Eau Claire. A single ticket grants access to both sessions, and organizers emphasize that cash will not be accepted at the gate; all ticket purchases must be made online prior to arrival.
Warriors Aim to Capitalize on Momentum
Winona State enters the championships with a season-high score of 191.075, achieved during a dual meet against UW-Oshkosh on their Senior Night. The team has demonstrated consistent improvement throughout the season, culminating in a dominant performance against Hamline University where they secured the top spot on every event.
During the Hamline dual, Irene Kearney claimed victory in the vault, while Jessica Miley excelled on the uneven bars. Kaelyn Duman secured first place on the balance beam, and Gabby Kraft and Frankie Jo MacAskill tied for the top score on the floor exercise. These individual successes highlight the depth of talent within the Warriors’ roster.
Record-Breaking Performance on Uneven Bars
The Warriors’ strength is particularly evident on the uneven bars, where they shattered the program record earlier this season at the UW-Oshkosh Quadrangular, achieving a score of 48.200. This record-breaking performance underscores the team’s dedication and skill in this discipline.
Individually, MacAskill and Kearney currently hold the season-high vault score of 9.775. Kaylee Bateman leads the team on the balance beam with a high score of 9.800, while Gabby Kraft’s 9.775 on the beam remains the season’s best. MacAskill also leads the Warriors on the floor exercise with a score of 9.825.
Championship Details and Fan Information
The WIAC Championships will be held at McCown Gymnasium, located at 175 W Mark St, Winona, MN 55987. Fans are encouraged to visit the Winona State University website for more information, including a campus map and driving directions. Live video of the event will be available for purchase, and live results will be posted throughout the day. Session 1 results will be available here, and Session 2 results will be available at the same link.
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The Warriors will gaze to build on their successful season and contend for the WIAC title in front of their home crowd. The competition promises to be a thrilling display of athleticism and determination, with the added stakes of qualifying for the NCGA West Regional. Fans can follow the Warriors’ progress throughout the day on the WIAC website and through Winona State’s athletics channels.
Following the WIAC Championships, qualifying gymnasts will advance to the NCGA West Regional, continuing their pursuit of individual and team accolades. The results from this weekend will shape the landscape of collegiate gymnastics in the region and set the stage for future competitions.
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