Year two of Lauren West’s tenure as Chesterton Gymnastics coach starts is underway and it’s different.

“I know what to expect now , but we have twice as many girls, so twice as many routines to put together too,” West said. “It’s a little easier this year, but I’m really excited about this team. They’ve worked really hard in the pre-season and we’re ready to get started.”

The Trojans get the competition season started tomorrow when they travel to the LaPorte Pairs Invitational.

“We have the same standards and expectations for Chesterton Gymnastics that have always been here,” West said. “They are rising up to the challenge and getting better every day. I think we’ve got a chance to be pretty good.”

The Trojans return their top trio from last year in juniors Lindsey Campbell, Marissa Myers and Brandi Tuzinski.

“Brandi, Marissa and Lindsay have really become good leaders for us,” West said. “They were not only competitive leaders for us, but as more of a vocal leader as well.”

Chesterton should also get a lift from the return of seniors Amanda Erxleben and Sarah Turner.

“We’ve got two seniors back after taking a year off in Sarah Turner and Amanda Erxleben that have helped with the leadership role,” West said. “They both have competition experience and have great work ethics. Especially with such a large underclassmen group.”

That underclassmen group features freshman Taylor Rodriguez and Jordan Kearby, along with sophomore Mary Choucalas, that should make an immediate impact.

“Taylor Rodriguez and Jordan Kearby are a pair of freshman that I think can come in and help us immediately,” West said. “They’ve completed in club, so we’re really excited to have them in the lineup.

Mary Choucalas is a sophomore that’s new to the team this year after just competing in club last year.

“She’s got a lot of skills that will be valuable to us.”

The rest of the Trojan roster will include junior Emma Lynn, sophomores Alisha Dziarski, Hanna Martich and Rachel Noel, along with freshmen Victoria Bain, Katlyn Collinsworth, Haylee Corzan and Katie Goysich.

“We’ve got twice as many kids as we did last year,” West said. “We’ve got a lot of depth that should allow us to let our injuries heal, give them some rest. They won’t have to push through injuries like they had to last year.”

Chesterton has always been a strong team on the floor and beam, but should see increased scoring on the bars and vault this year.

“Floor and Beam have been our really strong events in the past,” West said. “I think this year, our skills have improved and our new kids can make up for some of the skills we didn’t have last year. I think our skills will be a lot more balanced.”

Posted 12/14/2012