Season after season, Issaquah puts experienced gymnasts on the mat — and this year’s group is no different.

The Eagles bring back two state competitors in juniors Risa Fukuda and Olivia Goree. The duo finished 24th and 26th in the all-around competition at the 4A state meet last year. Senior Taryn Chin also brings experience, while newcomers Tiana Baur will make an impact on the beam and floor exercise.

Issaquah finished undefeated at 7-0 in last year’s dual meet competitions, third in the KingCo Championships and third at district meet.

“Being in 4A made it a whole new game,” 10th-year head coach Ryan Fleisher said.

While defending 4A state champion Woodinville, rival Newport and Bothell are all anticipated to provide major challenges, expectations are again high for the Eagles.

“We should have a good season,” Fleisher said. “We are not as deep as we have been, but have a good group that wants to work hard and do well.”

Eastlake young all around

If there’s one common theme revolving around this year’s Eastlake gymnastics team, it’s youth.

The Wolves are young from top to bottom, starting with head coach Beth Chapin. The 20-year-old Inglemoor graduate is in her first year as head coach, being assisted by her former coach, Krissy Spanton.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Chapin said. “We’re doing really well I think, and we have a lot of girls that have never done gymnastics before and they’re learning very quickly and already competing. The girls are looking very promising.”

Returning for Eastlake this season is senior Samantha Merritt, juniors Bianaca Barr, Maggen Wolk, Morgan Haley, and sophomores Morghan Kruml and Fatima Mseitif.

Newcomers sophomore Julia Bennett and freshman Alex Merrick will also play key roles to this year’s team.

Skyline returns 3 district qualifiers

Skyline’s gymnastics team is young for the second year in a row, but the Spartans have also gained a ton of experience.

The team brings back three district qualifiers in senior Rachel Blyth, junior Shelby Miller and sophomore Amy Bearman.

“Rachel … has continually improved year after year and I expect (her) to contribute to the team score on all four events weekly,” head coach Debbie Gliner said.

With a year under each of their belts, Gliner also expects Miller and Bearman to fill more leadership roles.

Freshman Alexa Lowry is also expected to make an impact.