Siebenthaler comes full circle for Camas at state

Amy Siebenthaler’s four years as a Camas High School gymnast have come full circle.

She finished eighth as freshman in the floor exercise, but experiencing her first high school state gymnastics meet was more rewarding than anything she accomplished or failed at on that day. Sophomore year got even better, when she captured a state championship on the balance beam.

“I’ll never forget my experiences up here. I loved every year for different reasons. Every year had its ups,” Siebenthaler said. “I love everything about state. It gave me memories and great experiences I will always remember.”

On Saturday at the Tacoma Dome, Siebenthaler almost won a state championship in the same event she debuted in four years ago. She tied for second place on the floor with Mia Tabbut of Capital. Both earned scores of 9.675. Columbia River’s Jennifer DeBellis won the event with a 9.7.

“I was close,” Siebenthaler said. “I know I gave it my best shot, and that’s all that matters. It was definitely a good way to finish my four years up here.”

Siebenthaler is not finished with high school gymnastics just yet. She will be representing Washington state in the National High School Gymnastics Association’s Senior Showcase May 20 and 21, in Fort Meyers Beach, Fla. Joining Siebenthaler at nationals is fellow Papermaker Amanda Bolton, and Jordan Hess of Columbia River.

Siebenthaler has nothing but respect for Hess, who did not let a torn ACL stop her from winning the 3A bars state championship.

“My heart goes out to her. She’s one of my best friends,” Siebenthaler said. “She deserves to be champion. She works and competes harder than anyone I know.”

Siebenthaler blind sided Union’s Sami Jo Martin with a big hug after her friend landed in first place on bars at the 4A level. Sibenthaler then ran back to her spot on the floor and followed that up with one of her all-time best performances.

“Sami and I practice together at the same club. It was so wonderful to see her win,” Siebenthaler said. “It made me even more determined to do well on floor. I wanted to do well for my school, for my community, for my club and for myself.”

Siebenthaler was putting together a strong routine on the beam, until a fall took her out of contention. She settled for 16th place with a score of 8.175.

Bolton, Siebenthaler and Audrey Siebenthaler competed in the all-around competition Friday.

Audrey Siebenthaler notched 25th place with a combined score of 33.475. She scored an 8.925 on beam, an 8.75 on floor, an 8.25 on vault and a 7.55 on bars. Amy Siebenthaler placed 29th all-around with 32.7 points. Bolton took 56th all-around with 29.125 points.