OLATHE — It ended the only way it could — on the floor, with tears, hugs and history. 

In the final Kansas State High School Activities Association gymnastics meet Saturday at Olathe East, Olathe North captured its fifth consecutive state championship, closing out the sport’s storied run under KSHSAA sanction with one last unforgettable performance. 

The Eagles’ score of 110.225 edged Shawnee Mission East (109.675) for the title and broke the state record for most consecutive championships. The previous mark of four straight was shared by Wichita South (1974-77) and Kapaun Mt. Carmel (1979-82). 

The victory came down to the final rotation — the floor exercise — where Lily Muchiri and Ariana Easter secured the win and capped off the program’s five-year dynasty. 

“I was not confident in the state championship until my second-to-last girl went on floor,” Olathe North coach Amanda Harrington said. “After Lily Muchiri nailed her floor routine, that’s when I knew we had won. Then Ariana went out there and did a gorgeous routine. All of the emotion we had suppressed came out during floor. I was so proud of my girls and my coaching staff.” 

For Easter, a senior competing for the final time, the moment was almost too much to process. 

“I was crying right before I did my floor,” Easter said. “After 12 years of doing gymnastics, this was going to be my last event. After I make my final pass, and do my final salute, I will be done. The banners and the records will still be here, but it was hard knowing this was the end. It was like an emotional catastrophe.” 

Easter said the win was the perfect ending for the Eagles, who also included Meghana Shanmugam, Greenlee Johnson, Ara Jo, Elena Newell, Morgan Nemeth, Olivia Noteboom, Macie Ray, Breeleigh Dodig, Lily Muchiri and Laila Haferland.  

“It feels amazing to have this streak all to ourselves,” Easter said. “Everyone gave their 100 percent out there. It just feels so great to end our gymnastics career like this, especially being around the people that we love so much. I love all these girls.” 
 

Harrington, who also coached Olathe South to a third-place finish, said the emotions were heavy throughout the day. 

“Winning the state championship meant so much to me,” she said. “Going down in history as the last state championship team and on the end of a five-peat run is pretty remarkable. The girls worked so hard and they earned this. The way they performed truly showed their love for the sport of gymnastics.” 

For Shawnee Mission East, the runner-up finish was filled with pride and emotion. 

“Yes, I am so proud of how hard my girls worked this entire season,” East coach Sarah Hink said. “Although we didn’t come in first, I know that each of my girls did their personal bests on every event.” 

East’s team of Scarlett Stubbs, Piper Kiehne, Kara Parrett, Andi Prendiville, Phoebe Kaneda, Nithmi Walpitage, Bella Drier, Vanessa Blades, Zoey Allen and Julia Hunter finished just a half-point behind the Eagles. 
 

“The whole day was pretty tough emotionally as this was everyone’s farewell to the sport,” Hink said. “At the end of the meet, all of the gymnasts sat together in a circle and played a game before awards began. They weren’t rivals anymore — they all knew the next day, they’d have to figure out who they are without high school gymnastics.” 

Olathe South finished third with 106.275 as the Falcons brought home state hardware thanks to the team of Mia Thompson, Lauren Taylor, Keira Spence, Libby Clark, Savannah Roberts, Kourtney Chambers, Bailey McCarty. 

“I am so proud of every single one of my kids,” Harrington said. “They worked so hard this season. Olathe South worked so hard in the gym and to see them up there on that podium was an amazing feeling. That South team had three seniors on it so it was a pretty emotional day for them.” 
 

As the final medals were handed out, the Olathe North gymnasts took one last photo together — smiling through tears, their place in Kansas history secure. 

Five titles. One dynasty. One last salute. 

And an ending worthy of the sport’s legacy. 

All-Class State Gymnastics Meet 

At Olathe East High School 

Team Scores 

Olathe North 110.225, Shawnee Mission East 109.675, Olathe South 106.275, Olathe East 104.05, Lawrence Free State 100.275, Newton 97.725, Emporia 87.775, Lawrence 82.025