Submitted Photo As the cold weather does its best to chill us as winter approaches, things are warming up for the Quad Cities Gymnastics Team. Virginia, Mountain Iron-Buhl, and Eveleth-Gilbert join forces to compete in meets that take place from early December until February.

Mountain Iron junior Brianna Forseen is a key returner on the squad. She got her start at age 4 in the YMCA tumbling program then went on to train at the Gymnastics Academy in Duluth before participating at the high school level. Forseen is an all-around gymnast, which means she participates in all events: uneven bars, balance beam, floor exercise, and vault. This is no easy task, for gymnastics is an intense sport. Training is very consuming and can consist of lifting weights, lots of running to build up endurance, and conditioning exercises such as push-ups and sit-ups.

“It’s something you have to do year round to stay in shape for the season,” said Forseen. “Strength is really important in gymnastics, and you want to make sure you’re in top condition by the time practice starts.”

Forseen’s major goal for this season is to make it to the State competition. To get there, she wants to keep working on her strengths—floor exercises and the balance beam—but focus on a weaker area, the bars. On a further scope, Forseen would like to continue with the sport after high Forseen’s major goal for this season is to make it to the State competition. To get there, she wants to keep working on her strengths—floor exercises and the balance beam—but focus on a weaker area, the bars. On a further scope, Forseen would like to continue with the sport after high school. “It depends on if the college I go to offers gymnastics, but if it does, I definitely want to try… I want to keep participating if I can,” she said.

For most Iron Range sports teams, competing against the Twin Cities teams can be particularly daunting, since many have the means to practice year round.

Now that the Quad Cities has a new gymnastics facility, Northern Twistars Gymnastics, they can also practice all year. It is located at 816 16th Avenue South Virginia, near UPS. “Anyone can go there. They have many activities for all ages, even starting at age 2, as well as open gym,” said Forseen.

As far as a team outlook, Forseen said that few girls are returning. “We have lots of new interest, which is great, but we don’t have quite as much experience,” she stated. “If we have a weakness, it’s that we don’t know the capabilities of the new girls yet.” At the time of the interview, it was unclear exactly how many girls would be participating, but last year began with 22 and ended with 12 due to issues with transportation. Forseen anticipates even more involvement this year.

So why all the new attraction to gymnastics? “Gymnastics is a really fun sport. It’s challenging, and nothing compares to the feeling you get when you achieve a goal or learn a skill. It’s very rewarding,” related Forseen. “Also, we have a close-knit team and make lots of good friends. And it’s always cool to do things that other people can’t.”

Just like anything, gymnastics has its fair share of challenges. In addition to having recurring injuries throughout the season, a gymnast has to deal with many mental issues, like getting over fears of doing new things and the frustration that accompanies setbacks. Above all, this sport is not for people who are weak of heart; they must be very dedicated.

For Forseen and her teammates, practices are underway, and their first meet is scheduled for December 12 in Superior. Following that are two more meets in December, five in January, and three in February, including Sections and State. The season culminates on February 29 with the State Tournament at the University of Minnesota.

Hopefully, with strong leadership in returners such as Forseen and some hard work by the new gymnasts, the Quad Cities Gymnastics Team will have a great season and some State competitors.