Weaver holds multiple state titles

Kayla Lord, Guest Reporter

Senior Gracie Weaver has set high expectations for herself as a level 10 gymnast. With all of the work and dedication she puts into this sport, she feels that all of her work has been worth it over the years.

Weaver has gone to states four years in a row and has come back home a winner every time. 

“To get to States, we have regular season meets first.  After that, we have Districts where I won the all-around and my team remained undefeated.  After Districts, we go to States where my team placed third in the state,” Weaver said.

Every year Weaver has been to States, she has won it for a different event.

“Every year I won for a different event, for freshman year- all-around, sophomore year – beam and all-around, junior year – beam and all-around, senior year – vault, bars and floor,” Weaver said. 

Weaver has also broken many records 

“ I have broken many records throughout my high school career.  I hold the all-around record for Altoona, and I also hold the state vault record,” Weaver said. 

Her coach, Mark Biseli, believes she is determined and hard working.

“Gracie is a hard worker and dedicated gymnast. She has won the Diamond division three years, and this year won bars, floor and vault. She has set school scoring records and this year a state vault record with a 9.85. Gracie dominates the Diamond Division which is the most advanced division in high school gymnastics,” Biseli said.

Weaver has considered quitting in the past, but despite her struggles she continued. 

“I definitely had thoughts about quitting throughout my gymnastics career because it is very stressful and demanding on the body.  I never had a normal life because of gymnastics, but looking back, I am so glad that I stuck with it,” Weaver said.

Weaver’s teammates enjoy being on the same team as her. 

“Having Gracie on the team is wonderful and really fun and makes the team stronger. Being on the same team with Gracie makes me feel positive and happy,” senior Gwyneth Rentz said 

This isn’t the end for Weaver she plans to continue gymnastics throughout college 

“I am continuing my gymnastics career at Brockport University.  I plan on attending college and majoring in Biochemistry to become a pharmacist,” Weaver said. 

As the year comes to a close, everyone is sad. 

“Gracie will be missed by the team,” Biseli said 

Weaver has many memories of being on the team.

“My favorite memory of high school gymnastics would have to be winning states three years in a row and the team remaining undefeated in the regular season all four years.  I also loved states weekends with my teammates when we got to go to the mall together,” Weaver said 

The biggest thing Weaver wants to leave behind is the mentally to never give up 

“”If you ever feel like quitting, remember why you started,” Weaver said.