The wait is almost over for the final winter sports team to begin its 2023-24 season with the Seymour gymnastics season kicking off on Monday.

The Owls will host Owen Valley at Gymnastics Lane in Seymour at 6 p.m.

Head coach Angie Villarreal spoke about the first weeks of practice for the Lady Owls.

“The girls have been good. Going into the season, we have all veteran athletes, just not necessarily veteran high school athletes,” she said. “They have all competed in club, so it’s comforting that they’ve been in a competitive setting before and know what’s expected.”

Villarreal is working with four returning athletes this season, Nev Cockerham, Gillian Bumbleburg, Mackenzie Bryson and Mia Dailey.

She spoke about her returning girls and what they’ve been focused on in practice.

“Nev has taken a leadership role, giving girls advice on skills, mentally preparing our freshmen, because the sport is 90% mental,” Villarreal said.

“Mia and Gillian also return. They have been super focused on skill development. Mackenzie is also a returner for us,” Villarreal added. “She’s been in and out of preseason practices due to a shoulder injury from softball. Last year, she competed all-around for us, but this season, she will only be competing in a couple events because of that shoulder injury.”

Cockerham has been teaching incoming freshmen Ella Brock and Vivian Newkirk some things about the adjustments of high school gymnastics compared to club.

She spoke about the first few weeks of practice and helping the freshmen along the way.

“I think we’re all getting some pretty good skills. I think it might not show in our first meet, but by the time the end of the year is here, we’ll be a lot better,” Cockerham said. “Just making sure they are comfortable and letting them get a feel for high school since it’s different than what they’re used to at club. I’m also looking forward to seeing them compete with other high school gymnasts from the state.”

Brock has been involved with club gymnastics since she was 8 or 9 but said she’s been intertwined with the sport her entire life. She was asked about her expectations for the upcoming season.

“I’m excited to compete in vault. That’y my favorite event,” Brock said. “I like my floor routine a lot, too, and I’m excited to see how I can do. I would like to get better at stretching and taking care of myself and my body.”

Cockerham said she got involved with the sport when she was 5. She was asked about improving this season and her favorite part of gymnastics.

“I think I’m going to do a lot better on floor routine this year. I’m also looking to add some more skills on bar and possibly on vault, too,” she said. “My favorite part of gymnastics is being on this team and how they encourage me during events and practice. This is my favorite team I’ve been a part of.”

Brock also said her favorite thing was her teammates because they encourage her during practices and events.

Villarreal was asked about some keys for a successful season for the Owls.

“I want to start the season off with solid and clean routines. They’ve been working and developing these skills and bonus combinations,” she said. “My goal for the season is to start with routines and slowly introduce skills and combinations throughout the season. I would like to build from the beginning and continue to improve throughout the year.”

Seymour will begin its season Monday against Owen Valley, then host another meet Thursday against Franklin Central at 6:30 p.m. They then travel to Shelbyville on Jan. 18 at 6:30 p.m.

All of their home meets will take place at Gymnastics Lane. Their postseason will begin at the end of February at Franklin Central for sectional. The meet is Feb. 23 and will start at 6:30 p.m.