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2025 - 2026

The Wagner/Bon Homme gymnastics team enters the new season with a familiar goal and a determined mindset under head coach Cherie Petry, qualifying for the State Meet as a team. Since 2000, WBH has only missed state four times, and the team is working on keeping that number right where it is.

“This team’s goal is to make it to state as a team again,” Petry said. “With such a young group, we’re taking things one day at a time and focusing on improvement each week.”

This year’s roster features just two seniors, three freshmen and four eighth graders, making this one of the youngest WBH teams in recent years. While experience may be limited, effort and attitude are not. Practices have centered on building confidence, sharpening form and learning new skills, especially on the bars where gymnasts are working hard to master their kips.

Traditionally, WBH has been strongest on the floor, and that remains a highlight this season. Beam skills are also solid, though Petry notes confidence will be key to staying consistent in competition. Bars and vault remain the two events where WBH is aiming to see the biggest growth as the season progresses.

“We want to be known as the team you don’t see coming,” Petry said. “We are built on character. Showing poise in both positive and negative moments, keeping our routines clean, and having fun.”

The team is led by seniors Addison Cuka and Amelia Rathgeber, who have set the tone with calm leadership and a steady approach under pressure. That leadership is critical for the younger athletes: Aubry Williams, Julia Krug, Dusti Laska, Emma McNinch, Aspyn Schroeder and Kamryn Krueger, who are all stepping into larger roles. Fans are also encouraged to keep an eye on every gymnast this season. “These girls’ love for what they do really shows when they perform,” Petry said.

One of the biggest challenges early in the season will be consistency and confidence, two areas Petry says every gymnast battles in a sport where performances are completely individual under the judges’ eye.

“Gymnastics is different,” she explained. “They go out alone knowing every detail is being evaluated. We work constantly on keeping their inner talk positive and focusing on small improvements they can control.”

The team always looks forward to the Winter Wonderland Meet in Vermillion, the season opener that gives them a better perspective on where to focus on improvements.

Petry also emphasized the importance of parent and community support, noting how much it impacts the team’s energy and mindset. “Seeing community members in the stands, hearing which businesses gracious donates to the W Club and being noticed by the community helps the girls see the importance in what they are doing,” she said.

“A divided team will never be successful,” she said. “We are very lucky to have parents who support the entire team, their daughters, the coaches and the teammates. And the community support we’ve built over the last 5 to 10 years has been incredible.” Keeping the at home conversation more supportive of the gymnast, teammates and coaches help the gymnast stay more coachable, keeps their energy up, and allows them to be a better teammate. “The team that works through the highs and lows always has a better chance of reaching their goals,” Petry added.

With only a couple of home meets this season, Petry encourages fans to make it a point to come out and cheer on the program.

“This is a great group of girls. They work hard, have fun, and never cease to surprise us,” she said. “Make sure to come support these young ladies.”

“This is a great group of girls. They work hard, have fun, and never cease to surprise us,” she said. “Make sure to come support these young ladies.”

Wagner gymnasts, pictured back row, from left are: Kalee Pazour (manager), Libby Kotab (manager), Aubry Williams, Dusti Laska, Amelia Rathgeber, Bella Kotab (manager), Julia Krug, and Eva Freidel; front row, from left: Addi Cuka, Emma McNinch, Aspyn Schroeder, Lauren VonEschen, Kamryn Krueger, Sophie Jensen, and Emeri Freidel. The team is coached by Cherie Petry and CJ McNinch. Photo by Jan Martin