Although the Lawrence High and Free State High gymnastics teams are separated by their school names, they view themselves as a single unit.

“We consider us one big team, not two separate ones,” said Free State junior Laura Devlin, who is the Firebirds’ only returning member named to the all-state team, “so we all kind of motivate each other and give each other confidence.”

When the reigning first-place (LHS) and third-place (FSHS) teams from state competition are considered to be one team, a coach only can smile at being so lucky.

Coach Kathy Johnson has such an honor as being the coach of both squads. But there is no such coach without a stellar cast of athletes.

“It’s a talented group of kids for both teams, and they have the potential of being strong again this year,” Johnson said.

Johnson has four returning gymnasts who received all-state honors, three from LHS and one from Free State.

One key Free State member was lost to graduation. The Firebirds have not shown signs of being a weakened team though, as they took second in their first tournament of the 2005 season.

Of course, the team that beat the Firebirds at the Shawnee Mission East quad was their practice mates from LHS.

The top two spots in each of the five events were won by members of the two teams.

Freshman Amelia Firns-Hubert had the lone first-place finish for Free State, winning on the bars, which is her only event.

The Lions were led by sophomore Mallory West, who recorded with three first-place finishes and two second-place finishes. She started the new season right where she finished at state, at the top spot in the all-around competition and the balance beam.

“I know my potential and I want to try to raise my standards and do even better each year I progress,” West said.

The two teams will get a look at how difficult the competition at state will be this Saturday when 15 teams will compete at the Shawnee Mission East Invitational.

“That’s going to be their first chance to see, early on, where they fit into the mix across the state,” Johnson said, “which will give them some incentive and some guidance as to what needs to happen before we get to the season ending.”

There is one gymnast who could get lost in all the hustle of LHS and Free State gymnastics. Jennifer Pogge participates as a member of Free State until the postseason, when the junior officially has to represent her school of Perry-Lecompton.

Pogge is in her first year participating with the Firebirds and is able to do so thanks to an agreement between the two schools.

There is also another factor, besides talent, that could aid the two teams in repeating last year’s performance. Free State will play host to this year’s state competition.

“I think we have a lot of potential to succeed,” LHS senior Meredith West said, “and like I’m saying right now, first place – we’re not accepting anything less.”