Local gymnasts heading to regionals

SANDPOINT — Three local gymnasts are having a terrific season and all three will be competing in the fegionals in Boise on March 31.

Tana Malone, 15, and a level 7 gymnast, has had an amazing season, placing first all around at many of her meets. Her floor routine and balance beam have scored in the mid 9.0 range. She always possesses a great smile and the judges love that.

"She's very driven, has a great smile and attitude and great work ethic," says Kristy Winter, one of the coaches at Funtastics.

Brittany Groenhout, 16, is a level 9 gymnast and has had a great season as well. Her bars are phenomenal, scoring in the higher 9.0 range and her vault is very strong as well.

"She's phenomenally strong, her bar strength is like no other," says Winter. "She has great aerial awareness when she's upside down."

Stormi Winter is a level 8 gymnast for Funtastics and had a super meet season. She qualified for the level 8 super team, which will represent Idaho in the "Battle of the states" against Montana, Washington, Alaska, Hawaii and Oregon. She is the sixth-ranked level 8 gymnast in the state of Idaho, regardless of age. It's a very prestigious honor.

"She's a hot shot," says Winter, Stormi's mother as well as coach. "Compact, strong and fearless."

All these girls have worked very hard and have traveled to Arizona, Colorado Springs, Portland and many other cities showing strength, power and grace under tremendous pressure. Funtastics wishes them the best in Boise.