The gymnastics team from Pipestone Area Schools is set to welcome back state qualifier Kaysa Douty. Additionally, Addison Draper and Samantha Radloff will take on the roles of captains for the Arrows. “These two possess excellent leadership skills,” stated PAS head gymnastics coach Stacie Wallace in her preseason overview. “They have been part of PAS […]
The gymnastics team from Pipestone Area Schools is set to welcome back state qualifier Kaysa Douty.
Additionally, Addison Draper and Samantha Radloff will take on the roles of captains for the Arrows.
“These two possess excellent leadership skills,” stated PAS head gymnastics coach Stacie Wallace in her preseason overview. “They have been part of PAS gymnastics since seventh grade (and even earlier in our Pipestone Park and Recreation program). They are poised to lead our team effectively.”
PAS will compete against Marshall in a Big South Conference dual at 6 p.m. Friday at PAS Gymnasium. This event will also serve as Parents Night, with gymnasts signing team posters for young fans after the conclusion of the meet.
Pipestone Area Schools’ gymnast Brooke Einck, shown here during a training session dated Monday, Nov. 11, is anticipated to be a pivotal contributor to the Arrows’ success in the 2024-25 season. (Photo by Eric Viccaro)
Douty aims to secure a state berth for the third straight year.
The sophomore achieved a score of 9.10 on the balance beam at the Class A individual state competition held in February at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul.
Her balance beam routine — featuring a back handspring, back walkover, and a full twisting layout dismount — earned her a top-10 standing. She also took part in the floor exercise (9.05).
Draper, Radloff, and junior Vivian Brockberg will be relied upon as all-around competitors. Sophomore Brooke Einck will focus on the uneven bars.
Both Douty and Brockberg received all-Big South Conference honors and were recognized as honorable mention all-state athletes.
Kaysa Douty from Pipestone Area Schools achieved a top-10 result in Class A at state during the 2023-24 season. (Star file photo by John Draper)
Last season, Brockberg’s highest scores included 8.85 in the vault, 8.25 on uneven bars, 8.2 on balance beam, and 9.2 in the floor exercise. Her cumulative all-around score peaked at 33.5 during a dual competition with Blue Earth Area.
Eighth-graders Aubrey Brockberg and Ireland Draper, along with Einck, bring more experience to the team this year.
“I anticipate them stepping into crucial roles on our lineup this year,” remarked Wallace.
Both of the Brockberg sisters also possess a dance background, which enhances their skills in gymnastics.
Delilah Cook and Alyssa Steuck will add crucial competitive experience to the roster.
New seventh-graders joining the program include McKayla Lange, Brooklyn Evans, Cora Loll, and Hatty Fey. Madelynn Swenson, Meritt Rustad, and Jenny Lopez are also fresh additions.
The team has lost several seasoned gymnasts to graduation, including Naomi Wallace (the coach’s daughter), the late Davina Darveaux, and Ryleigh Nissen.
Wallace was known for her strong performances on the beam and floor exercise. Darveaux played a significant role in the team’s vault scores, while Nissen provided valuable depth.
The coach evaluated the team’s strengths as well as areas requiring improvement and growth.
“The work ethic displayed by this group of girls is admirable,” stated Wallace. “They are very receptive to coaching, and we enjoy a positive team spirit.”
To remain competitive for state qualification, the Arrows “will have to enhance our difficulty levels wherever we can,” the coach explained.
This year’s objectives include achieving a winning record in the Big South Conference, multiple state qualifications, and obtaining individual all-conference recognition.
The Arrows aim to surpass last year’s top team score of 132.275, which was their highest mark since the 2006-07 season, with Darveaux leading the charge by nailing her landing on the balance beam.
As part of their preparation, Wallace noted that the team held training sessions in June and July. Most of the athletes on the team participate in multiple sports, which helps their overall development.
Jennings Wallace, Stacie’s husband, and Cristin Winter will act as assistant coaches, with the entire coaching staff entering their 12th year overseeing the program, providing consistent leadership.
Lauren Steuck and Ava Jasper will take on the responsibilities of team managers.
A dual meet originally scheduled for Feb. 4, 2025, against Deuel, S.D., has reportedly been cancelled according to sources on the Big South Conference website.
The 2024-25 gymnastics team of Pipestone Area Schools will be led by captains Addison Draper and Samantha Radloff. (Contributed photo by Danielle Dimond)
HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASTICS
Pipestone Area Schools
2024-25 Schedule
December
6, MARSHALL (Parents’ Night); 14, St. James Area Invitational; 17, at Luverne, Luverne Classic Gymnasium; 19, ST. JAMES AREA
January
2, at Windom Area; 4, Marshall Invitational, Marshall Middle School; 7, BLUE EARTH AREA; 14, at Worthington, Worthington Learning Center; 23, at Redwood Valley, Redwood Falls; 30, JACKSON COUNTY CENTRAL
February
6, FAIRMONT/MARTIN COUNTY WEST
Playoff Calendar
February
15, at Section 3A Meet, Luverne, Luverne Classic Gymnasium; 21-22, Minnesota State High School League state meet, Roy Wilkins Auditorium, St. Paul
Editor’s Note: Home events are listed in ALL CAPS, and are contested at PAS, either in the main or auxiliary gymnasium.
