Weihrauch third as Findlay opens season

GYMNASTICS: PERRYSBURG – Josie Weihrauch placed third in the all-around standings and Gabrielle Doering was fifth when Findlay High's gymnastics team opened its 2024-25 season on Monday by taking part in a four-school meet at the YMCA Gymnastics Center in Perrysburg.Weihrauch, a state alternate last season and one of the top returning gymnasts for FHS coach Traci Dunn, placed second on uneven bars (8.40), third on balance beam (8.60) and had 33.50 all-around points. Doering was fourth on floor exercises (8.60) and fifth on vault (8.10), bars (8.00) and beam (8.60) for her all-around total of 32.70.Rene Metzger was third on floor (8.65) and fourth on bars (8.10) for the Trojans, who scored 125.75 points to finish .10 behind Toledo St. Ursula (125.85) in Monday's meet. Maumee was third (124.6) and Eastwood fourth (100.30).Dunn must replace Emmy Omlor, a state qualifier and NLL runner-up on the bars last season. Doering, a three-year letter winner, is the lone senior on this year's squad and Alayna Martin is the lone junior.Weihrauch and Metzger head up a deep sophomore class, though. All five are returning letter winners, with Weihrauch earning first-team all-Northern Lakes League honors and Metzger second-team recognition.Sophomore all-around letter winners Emily Cole and Lily Huff also return, along with Allison Niederkohr, who specializes in the floor exercises. A newcomer to the squad this season is freshman Alexa Lehman."We have seven returning gymnasts that are well rounded athletes," Dunn said of the Trojans, who will compete in another quad-meet on Friday with Oregon Clay, Parkway and River Valley.