Olathe East gymnasts win title at SM North Invitational

There’s just something special about the Shawnee Mission North Invitational gymnastics meet.

SM North’s Ann Heinlein, despite being in just her second year as a coach, could feel it on Saturday at the competition.

“For a tradition to be around that long is pretty spectacular,” Heinlein said. “The meet itself is bigger than state because 12 teams come and there are only 13 in the state and then only eight qualify (for state). To be the host of something that big is a pretty big deal and as coaches you get to see what everyone else is working with.”

Olathe East won the meet, edging Newton by 2.1 points.

Olathe East’s Samantha Bond led the way for Olathe East. She won individual titles in the all-around, vault and floor exercise. Teammate Katie Wingate added a title in the balance beam.

This story was originally published September 22, 2015 at 2:14 PM with the headline "Olathe East gymnasts win title at SM North Invitational."