Winter sports wrapped

Eliah Fink

Winter sports for the 2022-23 season at Park have come to a close. Boys’ hockey had about a .500 record going 12-12-1 under first year head coach Tyler Brodersen. Brodersen said he was happy with the team’s season.

“I think we performed well this year,” Brodersen said. “One of our goals at the beginning of the year was to try and get into a home playoff game — to be the four seed — and we did that, which was good.”

Athletic director Ewald said the girls’ Nordic skiing team did exceptionally well as they made some significant achievements this year.

“Our girls’ nordic ski team had an outstanding year,” Ewald said. “Not only winning the conference but finishing second at the section championships and qualifying for state and representing our school and our community at the state meet.”

The girls’ gymnastics team went 4-3 in their conference and finished fifth in sections this year. Senior gymnastics captain Sophia Earle said the gymnastics team’s future is looking bright.

“I am super excited to see what all the younger gymnasts on this team can pull off for next year,” Earle said. “I’m really excited to see their skills grow and see them just go up from here.”

Brodersen said there were a couple moments from the season that stuck out to him.

“Beating Woodbury and beating Hastings in overtime were definitely highlights,” Brodersen said. “Competing with some of the top teams in the Holiday tournament was a highlight as well, and then getting to play on Bally Sports North against Edina was a really good experience for our team.”

Ewald said there were some difficulties with getting good attendance for games because of scheduling of the different sports.

“One of the challenges we have compared to other schools is since we have quite a few kids in athletics, especially in the wintertime you’ll get nights where you may have three events going on at home at the same time,” Ewald said. “There’s only so many fans to go around, so it kind of gets split up.”

Earle said there was a need for higher attendance at

Park’s gymnastic meets, and she hopes to bring some more attention for the team in the future.

“It would be great if more of the students from St. Louis Park came to support the gymnastics team,” Earle said. “It would also be great to have more media coverage whether that be in the 6425 or in Echo. That would be really great just to let people know that we are working hard out here and we are trying our best in the season.”

Ewald said the school is grateful for the students who showed up to watch Park sports during the winter.

“We really appreciate all the support from the student body this winter for their peers who were involved in winter activities,” Ewald said.

Boys basketball:

Boys swimming:

2-24, 8th in conference Boys hockey: Girls hockey: Girls basketball:

12-12-1, lost in sections

Girls Nordic skiing:

8-18, 8th in conference

13th in state

30th in state Gymnastics: Boys Nordic skiing:

4-3, 5th in sections

3rd in conference

MEET THE ATHLETE

Alicia Mainjeni

How long have you been doing gymnastics?

I’ve been doing (gymnastics) for 11 years. I’ve been on the team for six.

What are some of your favorite memories from gymnastics?

One of my favorite memories is bonding with the team before and after meets and exchanging sister gifts through the years. Meeting new people is really fun and I really enjoy it.

12-14 lost in sections

What is the most challenging part about being a gymnast?

The mental aspect of gymnastics is more challenging than the physical aspect. Obviously, it’s very hard on your body, but just overcoming the fear and reaching a point where you can say “I just have to do it” instead of getting roped up in the ‘what-if’s’ and the possibilities that you can’t control.

How does it feel to be a captain?

Impactful. I feel like I am giving back to a younger generation of gymnasts and I can see myself as those younger gymnasts — wanting a mentor and someone to show them the ropes and show them how fun gymnastics can be.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned through your experience?

One, never take anything too seriously, it’s all for fun. Two, try your best, because hard work will pay off. Three, have a positive attitude, because everyone is working through their own things and having a positive attitude in the gym is really crucial.

What were your goals for this season?

My goal for this gymnastics season was to have fun and enjoy it for my last year.

What is your favorite event?

My favorite event to compete is floor.

“ People have gotten used to lunch the way it is already. This is a sacrifice that students are going to have to make.”

Ryan Steinberg, sophomore