One might think all gymnastics equipment is the same, but it’s not.

That’s why the Lawrence High gymnastics team and Free State High’s Lacey Baxter spent Friday afternoon at Olathe South to become acquainted with the equipment before the start of the state gymnastics meet at noon today.

Yes, the beam and the bars are the same, but : different.

“The floor mats are different, the bars are different,” LHS coach Kathy Johnson said. “Technically, they’re the same, but they’re different. It’s just something they do so the girls can be a little more comfortable.”

The entire Lions squad qualified for today’s event, and Baxter is the lone FSHS representative. Baxter and LHS senior Molly Hoss will be the city gymnasts most likely to earn a medal, as Hoss did last year.

She was sixth in the floor exercise and 19th in the all-around, but could do better this year. Her strengths are the beam and the floor exercise, just like Baxter.

The Firebird junior won the beam at last Wednesday’s regional, and, after not competing in gymnastics last year, could be a favorite this time.

“I hope that they can do well,” Johnson said. “If they do well, then the team will do really well. That’s what drives the team success.”

Johnson said a top-five finish for the Lions would be ideal, but they’ll need Hoss, freshman Meredith West and sophomore Nicole Jones to be at their best.

No matter how LHS or Baxter finishes, Johnson said the end of the meet could yield some tears :quot; which could be eased with medal-winning performances.

“It was Molly’s and Melissa Bower’s last practices (Thursday),” Johnson said. “We’re hoping for some good showings, but I think there’s going to be some sad faces when it’s all over.”