Quantcast
skip navigation

Eagan gymnast channels energy for one more state trip

By Star Tribune, 01/15/13, 4:23PM CST

Share


Kat Torres

Eagan senior Kat Torres would like nothing better than to conclude her prep gymnastics career with one last trip to the state meet.

Torres finished in 22nd place in the Class 2A all-around competition at the state meet a year ago. She also runs track for the Wildcats.

Here is a closer look at Torres:

The best movie I've seen in the last year? It's a tie between "Bridesmaids" and "Parental Guidance." They are both hilarious.

Three words or phrases my friends or teammates might use to describe me? Energetic, passionate, intense.

Name three songs you never skip on your iPod? "Express" (On the Burlesque Soundtrack) by Christina Aguilera; "Country Girl Shake It For Me" by Luke Bryan; " Wanted" by Hunter Hayes.

What are your three favorite apps? Pinterest (I'm absolutely addicted); Ibooks (anything Nicholas Sparks); Pandora.

How did you get started in gymnastics? I first started with dance, and I think I just had way too much energy to sit still and do relevés all day. The dance instructor recommended I try gymnastics. So my parents brought me to a little gym called Tumble Jungle and I went crazy I loved it so much. I don't remember it taking me very long to learn how to do the skills, and the coaches there told my parents that it might be the sport for me. They also referred me to a more competitive gym called SCEGA. At the time I was also playing soccer, so I had to make the decision at the age of 5 what I was going to do because you have to be very dedicated to become a good competitive gymnast as my parents explained to me. I decided to become committed to it, and I haven't stopped ever since.

At my first varsity practice, I felt ... at home. I was so excited to be a part of a team, and I really wanted to prove that I had what it took to get to the top.

What are your goals for this year's gymnastics and track teams? I hope that Eagan gymnastics takes sections this year because it is a home meet and we have worked so incredibly hard this past year, and it's my senior year and last year of gymnastics. I also am very set on returning to the state meet as a team, as well as individually. For track, I would love for Eagan to win the true-team section meet and continue on to true-team state and win. I personally want to make it to state in the 100- and 300-meter hurdles.

What did you work on in the offseason? Mainly endurance and strength training for track, and learning new skills in gymnastics like a Pac Salto on bars.

To get focused for competition, I ... usually just take time to myself and listen to music that gets me pumped up. I visualize what I want to happen, and say a quick prayer and go after it.

What is your favorite meal before a meet? I have to have either ice cream or anything chocolate. I have a pretty bad sweet tooth.

What is your most memorable moment as a high school athlete? The state gymnastics meet last year ... was such a great celebration of the sport and there were so many talented gymnasts. I was surprised by the amount of people and the energy in the sports pavilion.

RON HAGGSTROM

Related Stories