Craig’s gymnastics team started their 2018-19 season by hosting the annual Cougar Invitational on Saturday, Dec. 8.

The Cougars finished in third place behind Madison Memorial.

Mt. Horeb took first behind a strong performance from all-around champion Brea O’Connell, took first.

Memorial’s total of 128.225 edged out Craig’s 127.925.

“That is a good score to start the year,” said head coach Jean Welch.

“Today went pretty well for it being our first meet,” added junior Phoebe Werner. “We were focused on throwing new skills and getting back out on the floor.”

Craig was joined by Parker, Milton, Mt. Horeb, Madison Memorial, Madison West, Whitewater, and Madison United (East and LaFollette).

Craig’s top finishers were Ariana Stalsberg, who was third in the all-around. She also medaled on beam, floor and vault.

Phoebe Werner tied with Stalsberg for sixth in the vault. Gracie Hill also medaled on beam, taking fourth.

Werner said, “The team is looking good this year. We have two talented freshmen that are assets to the team.”

Those new Cougars are Olivia Rebout and Caci Hazeltine.

“They did well overall. Olivia had a fall and beam and vault but came back strong on floor,” said Welch.

In addition to their two talented freshmen, this was the first meet for Sara  Ennocenti, who joined the Craig staff as an assistant.

In 2010, Ennocenti was the state champion in the vault.

Werner said, “Having a former state vault champion as an assistant coach is incredible. Having just joined the team, she hasn’t seen our gymnastics, so it’s great to have a fresh set of eyes.”

The invitational format provides a higher-pressure atmosphere, so “it is good to get it out of the way,” said Welch. “I stressed to the team that this is the first meet.”

While the coach was pleased with the team’s performance overall, “There is definitely room for improvement. They looked really good on beam and floor.”

“There were some nerves,” said Werner, “but we’ll learn how to be cool as cucumbers within the next couple of meets.”

Mt. Horeb’s team victory was not a surprise, but Madison Memorial’s second-place finish was. “They have a young team. They graduated a lot of their team,” said Welch.

Craig will look to avenge their finish behind Memorial when the two teams face each other in a dual meet on February 7 at Memorial.

Said Werner, “The team as a whole has been working extremely hard to get new upgrades. It’s going to be a really fun year with a lot great gymnastics!”

Craig has a chance to continue its improvements on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at Parker, who finished in 8th place at the Invite.

Photos taken by Gabby Petruzzello

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