Virginia: Gymnastics Preview

After winning its first state gymnastics championship last season, Stonewall Jackson has a strong chance at another this year. The team returns what Coach Karen Lutman calls her "fantastic four": senior Erin Stack , junior Kelsey Deitz , Kelsey's sister, sophomore Kayla Deitz , and sophomore Nadine Joslin . The Raiders did lose junior Nicole Smith , who transferred to Battlefield and will not compete this season. . . .

Two of the Raiders' biggest threats should again come from the Virginia AAA Northwestern Region. Colonial Forge, the third-place team at states, has a deep lineup that includes junior All-Met Gymnast of the Year Sam Brooks . Stafford returns its best gymnasts in junior All-Met Catie Frakes and senior Allison Brooks. . . .

In the AAA Northern Region, Lake Braddock, which finished second to Colonial Forge in last weekend's 16-team South Lakes Invitational, received a welcome addition when senior Jeenie Shank , an All-Met as a freshman, returned to the team. Shank is already back in form, finishing third in the all-around at South Lakes. . . .

Chantilly, last year's Northern Region runner-up, should again be strong, with junior All-Met Taryn Saunders returning. But the Chargers will not have the services of All-Met senior Valerie Voorhies , who is focusing on cheerleading. . . . Herndon's vault specialist and defending state vault champion, senior Kate McCoy , is back for the Hornets. . . .

With four-time AA Dulles District champion Loudoun Valley moving to the AAA National District, Dominion -- led by seniors Katy Dixon and Catherine Smathers and junior Danielle Mazza -- becomes the favorite. The district's best gymnast last year, Stone Bridge senior All-Met Allison Burkett , will skip the season to focus on her club team.

-- Liam Dillon