Girls earn state titles for Butler

By John Enrietto Eagle Sports Editor

June 18, 2012 Last Updated: June 18, 2012 03:50 PM Youth Sports

From left, Josie Ansell, 9, Shelby Krause, 16, and Kylie Schafer, 13, are state champions at Butler Gymnastics.

BUTLER TWP — Three years ago, a back injury nearly ended Shelby Krause's gymnastics career.

Instead, it rejuvenated her.

“I always felt like I was going to come back from it, but after being away from the sport for six months, I realized how much I missed it,” Krause said. “Gymnastics has always been a part of my life and I missed being around it.

“My back just gave out to the stress, from all of the work and practice I put in.”

Now 16 and a junior at Seneca Valley High School, Krause is on the cheerleading squad for the Raiders. She also returned to gymnastics through the prep-op division at the Butler Gymnastics Club.

“She's here about two days a week,” coach Michelle Heasley said. “Shelby competes at her own pace. We have a number of girls in that program now.”

Krause excelled in it this year, winning state championships on bars and floor exercise, along with placing second on vault and in all around.

Two other gymnasts in Heasley's program — Josie Ansell, 9, of the South Butler School District and Kylie Schafer, 13, of Kiski Area — excelled at the state meet.

“I do cheerleading two nights a week and I come here two nights,” Krause said. “Schedule-wise, it's worked out well.”

“I've been with Shelby since she was 5. I've watched her grow up in this gym,” Heasley said. “She's like my own daughter, that's how I feel about her. Prep-op is less strenuous and it's worked out well for her.”

Ansell won a Level 6 state title in floor exercise and placed second in all around. Schafer placed third in Level 8 balance beam and all around, advancing to regional competition and placing 11th in all around there.

Heasley described Ansell as “a competitor who just wants to please you. She strives to get it right.”

Ansell said this year marked her first state meet “and I was a little nervous. But it's a lot of fun and I'm always meeting new friends.”

Schafer is in her first year at the Butler Gymnastics Club and figures to move to Level 9 next year.

“Kylie is our gymnast who improved the most this year,” Heasley said. “Her form and showmanship on the floor really improved.”

Schafer admitted that fear always plays a part in learning a new skill.

“It's always a little scary,” she said. “But once you get it, it feels really good.

“I like how I develop something new every day. You just keep on pushing on to the next thing. There's always something new to learn.”

Butler Gymnastics Club

State Placers

Level 5

Madison Myers: 6-Bars 9.325, 5-Floor 9.425

Level 6