Rogers gymnastics finishes second in conference

by Erik Nelson

Sports Reporter

For the first time since entering the Northwest Suburban Conference five seasons ago, the Rogers Royals finished the season as the second-place team in the conference.

Rogers defeated Anoka 140.55-139.55 on Thursday, Feb. 8, at Prairie View Elementary School in Otsego. The Royals finished first in two of four events, and sophomore Sadie Zachman finished first in the all-around with 36.7 out of a possible 40 points.

Royals head coach Aly Meech said Thursday’s meet was a great way for Rogers to end the regular season.

“It was a close competition, so they’re excited,” Meech said.

Zachman finished first on bars with a 9.125 and first on floor with a 9.6. Senior Sophie Mahnke and sophomore Maddie Skubic tied for second on vault with scores of 8.95 each. Mahnke finished second on beam with a 9.175.

Before the final results were announced, Rogers honored its four graduating seniors: Mahnke, Ali Babinat-Nelson, Peyton Scharber and Maggie Witt. Each senior received a gift bag from the program.

“This class has two of my first set of middle-school girls,” Meech said. “It’s my first one that I’ve gone through high school and then some with, so I’m sad to see them go.”

What’s next

The MSHSL Class 2A team championship is on Friday, Feb. 23, at 6 p.m. at Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul. The Class 2A individual championships are on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 6 p.m. at Roy Wilkins Auditorium. Mahnke and Zachman represented the Royals at state in 2023 in the individual championships. Rogers has never qualified for the state tournament as a team.