Porter and Valley Lead Thunderbirds in Strong Conference Showing

In a Badger Conference dual match up at Baraboo High School, the Thunderbirds gymnastics team finished second with an overall score of 128.125 against the Mount Horeb Vikings, who clinched the victory. The meet showcased intense competition and remarkable performances from both teams, emphasizing the strength and skill prevalent in the conference. Zeva Valley and Hadley Porter, standout performers for the Thunderbirds, demonstrated exceptional prowess across multiple events. Valley placed third on Vault with a score of 8.5, third on Bars scoring 8.225, and third on Beam with 8.9, before securing a second-place finish on Floor with a remarkable 9.125. Porter also shone brightly, achieving personal bests in several events, notably scoring her first score of 9 or higher on Floor with a 9.1, which earned her third place in that event. Her performances marked significant personal milestones, also setting personal records on Beam and Bars. Despite early challenges, particularly a slower start on Vault, Porter showcased her resilience and determination by bouncing back to perform exceptionally well in subsequent events. This turnaround was not only a display of her skill but also of her mental resilience. Looking forward, the Baraboo Thunderbirds are set to meet Sauk Prairie for their next conference dual, held at Grand Avenue Elementary School in Prairie du Sac on January 6, 2026. The team aims to leverage their insights from this meet and hopes to improve their current season record of 0-2.