The UW-Whitewater gymnastics teams celebrated the end of the regular season with a victory against Gustavus Adolphus College, winning 191.975-186.175. The end of the regular season came with senior night, where the veteran athletes were recognized for their contributions to their team and for representing UW-Whitewater athletics.
After the conclusion of the match, the seniors got the joy of listening to their teammate’s kind words and speeches about how they had impacted the team as a whole. Many senior nights prove how strong the bond between teammates can be; this one was no exception.
The Warhawks did not lose a single event in this match, with their highest scoring events being uneven bars and floor exercise, with a score of 48.150.
Senior Kelsey Kollhoff finished first in two events, uneven bars, and floor exercise, with the same score of 9.725. Kollhoff, who does various events, showed her versatility by competing in three of the four events.
“We’ve gone through so many highs together and just as many lows. We laugh together, we cry together, we fight like an old married couple, and we laugh some more,” said Gracie Talley in her speech to Kelsey as a part of senior night.
Kollhoff started her career with the Warhawks in 2021 as a freshman and battled through adversity along the way
“Kelsey’s past four years here at Whitewater haven’t been the easiest. She’s battled through injuries, mental blocks, COVID, and many other obstacles,” said Talley, who went on to say, “No matter how the practice or meet when, she always has a smile in the gym, ready to put in the work,” said Talley.
Kollhoff is one of four seniors graduating this year. Estee Flom, Sarah Knetzke, and Ashlyn Vicko are also taking their next step after their time in Whitewater. Knetzke finished first in the balance beam on Saturday with a score of 9.850.
“A phrase that perfectly describes Sarah is championship mindset. This is literal and symbolic. Sarah’s dedication and commitment to the sport of gymnastics have earned her many amazing and impressive accomplishments,” said team manager Rachel Millard.
Knetze is the 2022 national champion for the balance beam and currently holds the individual school record for the balance beam, which she set this year.
“Sarah’s success on beam and floor will be missed, but her more significant contribution to this team is her phenomenal leadership. Sarah exemplifies resilience, grit, confidence, dedication, and ambition. She keeps practices and competitions light-hearted with her amazing sense of humor and positivity while still reminding everyone to stay on track for the goals we plan to accomplish,” Millard said.
The Warhawks now turn their attention to the WIAC Regionals, which takes place March 9 at 2 p.m. in St. Paul, Minnesota.