MONROE- Thirteen gymnasts are gearing up for the Super Bowl of YMCA gymnastics.

The Green County YMCA had 13 gymnasts qualify for the YMCA National Gymnastics Championships June 25-28 in Sheboygan.

Dawn Lederman, Green County YMCA gymnastics program director, said it's the most national qualifiers the YMCA has had.

The 13 gymnasts were required to earn a qualifying score at their respective level to earn a bid to the national championships. About 62 percent (13 of 21 gymnasts) in the Green County YMCA gymnastics program qualified for the national championships. Now they take aim at medaling on the uneven bars, the balance beam, the vault, floor and all-around competition.

"This year it seemed like the year everyone peaked and perfected their routines," Lederman said.

Lederman, a 17-year veteran gymnastics director, said she was hoping for a record number of national qualifiers.

"You never know," she said. "I knew they probably could if they peaked during the season. They earned the right to go."

The national championships begin Wednesday with expected women's Olympic gymnastics qualifier Chellsie Memmel of West Allis as the opening ceremonies speaker.

"I think it's a huge motivation," Lederman said of seeing Memmel. "They see that on TV. They want to be like the big girls."

For Liz Knutson, an eight-time national qualifier and Monroe graduate, this will be her farewell. Knutson, a level 8 gymnast recalls winning a championship on the beam and taking fifth in the all-around competition in her first year at nationals. Last year Knutson finished sixth on the floor.

"It's my last meet," Knutson said. "I'm glad I have one last chance to compete. It's a challenge mentally and physically. It (nationals) is the highest you can go in YMCA gymnastics."

The YMCA gymnastics program has levels 2-9. The Green County YMCA gymnastics program has gymnasts in levels 3-8. Certain skills and minimum score requirements are required before progressing to the next level.

With the gymnastics season running from November to April, practice has been a driving force in preparing for the national championships.

"The kids have been in the gym year round," Lederman said. "I don't think some of these kids would be going if it was out of state because of the costs."

The registration fee for the national championships is $100, in addition to travel and room expenses.

Sadie Swenson, 13, a level 5 gymnast, qualified for nationals in Washington last year, but didn't go with a Florida vacation planned. Swenson has been a quick learner and is on the fast track in gymnastics.

"I am really nervous," Swenson said about her first competition at nationals. "I have learned a lot. I just want to try hard and do my best."

Lederman thinks Swenson is a gifted athlete.

"She is athletic and physically stronger than the other girls naturally," Lederman said.

Lederman said the biggest challenge is keeping gymnasts motivated who are now competing in several sports with summer track and soccer programs.

The gymnasts have been practicing, but haven't had a competition since the state meet at La Crosse in April.

"I would like them to stay on the beam, stick their vault, connect their bars and complete their floor routines," Lederman said.

For Jordan Hirsbrunner, 9 and Casey Rielly, 9, who are both level 3 gymnasts, the chance to compete at the national championships is a thrill.

"I am really excited and happy," Hirsbrunner said, who started gymnastics when she was 3.

Rielly, who has competed in gymnastics since she was 5, knows the most challenging aspect of the sport.

"You have to be told to have your toes pointed, knees and arms straight and don't be arched."

Chandra McGuire, 12, a level 5 gymnast, has big aspirations at the national championships.

McGuire said she wants to place in at least two events.

"The hardest thing is probably the mental stuff," McGuire said.

Ashley Neuenschwander, 11, a level 4 gymnast, qualified for nationals for the first time.

"This is probably one of the best things I have done," Neuenschwander said.