MONROE - Morgan Schneeberger, 11, Monroe, has dreamed of competing on a big stage in the YMCA National Gymnastic Championships.
This week, she'll get her chance.
Schneeberger, a Level 2 gymnast, is one of 15 gymnasts from the Green County Gems who will compete starting today at the YMCA National Championships in Wichita, Kansas at the Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center.
"I'm nervous now," Schneeberger said during a final tune-up at practice Monday at the Green County YMCA. "When I get in my game, I'm in my game. I concentrate and the light is on me."
This marks Schneeberger's first trip to nationals and her third year on the Gems. She is one of 2,000 competitors at Nationals.
The Gems gymnastics team had 36 gymnasts qualify for Nationals, each meeting a qualifying score for her level during the season. It marks the first time the Gems have competed at Nationals in three years.
"I think they can all handle the pressure. If they can remember their routines, they will be fine," said Dawn Lederman, Green County YMCA gymnastics program director. "It's just a whole different atmosphere at Nationals. It will be a much bigger scale than state."
Schneeberger won a state championship in the all-around competition earlier this year.
"I think I'm capable of getting a medal at Nationals," she said. "I always like to flip around. My energy just never stops. It's one of the things I love."
Jill Marty, 12, New Glarus, is in her third year on the Gems and is also making her first trip to Nationals.
"I'm really excited," said Marty, a Level 3 gymnast. "I'm glad I get this chance. Not many people get to go do this."
Marty said her favorite event is the floor routine.
"I really like to tumble," she said.
Marty is coming off a state championship on the floor and uneven bars. She finished second place in the state all-around competition.
"I will probably be nervous," Marty said. "Once I start, I feel I will get more confident."
Lederman said many gymnasts are working twice as hard to get routines down for Nationals and for the next gymnastics season, when they advance a level.
Kaylyn Albert, 10, Brodhead, is also looking forward to Nationals. Albert, a Level 1 gymnast, is proud of her first berth.
"It just means a lot," Albert said. "It means I have worked so hard to make it this far."
Albert enjoys the dismounts off the balance beam the most.
"They are fun to do because you get to go flying off the beam," she said.
This week, she'll get her chance.
Schneeberger, a Level 2 gymnast, is one of 15 gymnasts from the Green County Gems who will compete starting today at the YMCA National Championships in Wichita, Kansas at the Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center.
"I'm nervous now," Schneeberger said during a final tune-up at practice Monday at the Green County YMCA. "When I get in my game, I'm in my game. I concentrate and the light is on me."
This marks Schneeberger's first trip to nationals and her third year on the Gems. She is one of 2,000 competitors at Nationals.
The Gems gymnastics team had 36 gymnasts qualify for Nationals, each meeting a qualifying score for her level during the season. It marks the first time the Gems have competed at Nationals in three years.
"I think they can all handle the pressure. If they can remember their routines, they will be fine," said Dawn Lederman, Green County YMCA gymnastics program director. "It's just a whole different atmosphere at Nationals. It will be a much bigger scale than state."
Schneeberger won a state championship in the all-around competition earlier this year.
"I think I'm capable of getting a medal at Nationals," she said. "I always like to flip around. My energy just never stops. It's one of the things I love."
Jill Marty, 12, New Glarus, is in her third year on the Gems and is also making her first trip to Nationals.
"I'm really excited," said Marty, a Level 3 gymnast. "I'm glad I get this chance. Not many people get to go do this."
Marty said her favorite event is the floor routine.
"I really like to tumble," she said.
Marty is coming off a state championship on the floor and uneven bars. She finished second place in the state all-around competition.
"I will probably be nervous," Marty said. "Once I start, I feel I will get more confident."
Lederman said many gymnasts are working twice as hard to get routines down for Nationals and for the next gymnastics season, when they advance a level.
Kaylyn Albert, 10, Brodhead, is also looking forward to Nationals. Albert, a Level 1 gymnast, is proud of her first berth.
"It just means a lot," Albert said. "It means I have worked so hard to make it this far."
Albert enjoys the dismounts off the balance beam the most.
"They are fun to do because you get to go flying off the beam," she said.