Free State High’s three senior gymnasts, Grace Bartle, Carrie Howland and Haley Johnson, have been competing with one another since the first grade.

In their final meet together, they’re looking to end on the highest note by repeating as Class 6A state champions. That chance to turn a dream into reality starts at 11 a.m. today at Shawnee Mission West.

“I’m just happy to be competing with them,” said Bartle, who won a Sunflower League title in the floor exercise. “Of course, we want to win state. Of course, we want to do what we did last year. But, honestly, it’s just like the experience we’re all looking forward to.”

Bartle won state titles in the balance beam and floor exercise last season and finished second in the all-around. Johnson and Howland took seventh and ninth in the all-around at state last year, respectively.

“I just remember being in the gym with them,” Bartle said. “Haley, she was a level above me for a couple of years, so she always helped me. In the gym nowadays, we coach each other every single day.”

Johnson added: “I’m extremely sad to see all of our hard work end, but I’m excited to end the year on a good note — hopefully.”

The Firebirds certainly know what they needed to work on to claim another state title, aiming for their fourth in six years. After finishing second at league two weeks ago, the Firebirds have been been cleaning up their routines in practice while working to add a few more difficult skills.

They’re also hoping for a strong contribution from junior Callie Hicks on the uneven bars, vault and beam, junior Becca Moran on the floor and sophomore Landon Prideaux in every event.

“There’s quite a bit of momentum because they know exactly what they need to do to win,” FSHS and LHS coach Brooke Kissinger said. “I think they’re going in way more calm. Then I have a couple of underclassmen who are going with the state team, so I think they will be able to calm their nerves and keep them on track.”

Lawrence High didn’t qualify as a team, but will be sending junior Ashley Ammann, sophomore Jordyn Leon, freshman Eliana Seidner and senior Heather Wisbey in individual events.

“I’ve gotten a higher level front handspring pass on floor, and my vault is looking better,” said Ammann, who finished third at league in the floor exercise. “Going from league and actually placing this year, it helps knowing that I have a chance at state.”