Unlike most of the gymnasts who will be competing at the WIAA State Gymnastics meet March 6-7 in Wisconsin Rapids, Tori Puhl, senior, did not grow up participating in competitive club gymnastics.

Instead, Puhl spent her childhood years flipping across the floor as a competitive cheerleader. It wasn’t until her freshman year that she decided transfer her powerful tumbling abilities to gymnastics.

“I transitioned from cheer to gymnastics because my cheerleading gym shut down,” Puhl said. “My cheerleading background taught me to be independent. I taught myself a lot of skills without a large amount of coaching… I gained a lot of strength in my legs which adds to my height in my saltos on floor.”

Despite her limited gymnastics training, Puhl has qualified for the state meet every year since freshman year. Thus, qualifying for state had been Puhl’s goal throughout her senior season, but she was never entirely confident she would reach it due to the strength of the Arrowhead Sectional.

“To be honest, after watching Arrowhead and Brookfield on floor before me (at sectionals), I kind of wanted to give up,” Puhl said. “I thought about coming to terms with not going to state again, but I realized that I wanted to do the best routine I could do because it was either going to be my last floor routine or it was going to be a high enough score to send me back to state.”

Although, according to Coach John Glass, head gymnastics coach, Puhl “threw one of her best routines of the year,” waiting for the results proved nerve wracking, as she knew needed at least a 9.4 in order to place within the top five.

Naturally, as the score came up as 9.5, Puhl and Coach Glass were elated. However, excitement from the rest of the Homestead gymnasts was apparent as well, not only after Puhl finished competing but also before junior Ellie Trau was supposed to perform on bars.

Trau, who had been dealing with an abdominal injury, gave alternate Gaby Geiger the opportunity to compete both bars and vault in her place.

“It was mature of Ellie to step down and make the decision that was best for her,” Geiger said. “I got really nervous because bars is my worst event and I didn’t want to let the team down. She just gave me a pep talk encouraging me that I could do it.”

The day continued to unfold in Puhl’s favor as, to her surprise, she busted out her best vault of the season, earning a 9.35 and the chance to compete in a second event this weekend.

According to Puhl, her lack of self confidence has been a struggle this season. She has realized, however, that “(she) should not waste time worrying about things that (she) cannot control,” and hopes to finish her final season as a Homestead gymnast on a high note.

“I’m aiming to finish in the top ten for floor and possibly vault,” Puhl said. “If I stick my floor routine, I’m really hoping to score in the top eight.”

And, although they will not be competing with her, Puhl’s teammates will continue supporting her from the sidelines.