PERHAM – The Perham Area Gymnastic Academy has six representatives competing this weekend at the United States Gymnastics Association State Championships in Minneapolis.
"We have six girls who have qualified for state," PAGA head coach Sith Hansana said. "Lydia Klettke, Aryanna Myers, Maggie Schander and Sam Close are all level 8's. Elise Reuter is Level 6, and Eve Foltz is Level 7. We have a pretty good group right now, and we are still building. This is our first year back at state since Covid."
PAGA has gymnasts from Perham, Detroit Lakes, Staples, Frazee, Verndale, Wadena and New York Mills.
"These girls work hard," Hansana said. "I have them to a point where they believe in themselves. To achieve it, you have to believe it. You have to train mentally and have good work ethic that we are installing in our program. It's not just physical, (they need to be) mentally ready to compete."
The PAGA gymnasts have a chance to compete at the regional championships if they score a 34 or higher this weekend. The state championships take place at the Minneapolis Convention Center Mar. 19-20.
