Boy’s gymnastics has officially started their new season as their first meet took place on March 7th. With six different events–floor, pommel horse, still rings, vault, parallel bars, and high bar–this sport requires the best out of its athletes. Most, if not all, gymnasts are expected to participate in all six events, learning different routines and using various skills for each one. With dedicated athletes and a supportive community of gymnasts and coaches, the 2026 boy’s gymnastics season is looking to bring accomplishments to individual athletes and the team as a whole.
Since no gymnasts graduated in 2025, expectations for this season are high. Every varsity athlete has been on the team prior to this season and has not only experience, but hard-earned skill. With this, the gymnasts and coaches are looking forward to this season as an opportunity to see the Lake Park athletes qualify and place in state.
Boys’ varsity Head Coach Christopher Patton said he is “super excited to see how much they have progressed already and how much they will continue to grow moving on.”
Out of these athletes, one varsity member who has been training for 15 years has stepped into a leadership role as senior captain: Patrick Paulish (LP ’26), a three-time state qualifier and senior at Lake Park. As Paulish continues to strive for success in individual competitions, he also provides his teammates with feedback and encouragement as they learn and grow.
As Patton puts it, Paulish is the “pinnacle of lead by example.”
After qualifying for all six individual events, Paulish placed 7th for high bar in last year’s season, showing the dedication he has put into this sport. Another varsity member, Aiden Rex (LP ‘27), qualified for all six events, showing his commitment to the sport as well. Both gymnasts are looking to qualify and place in state this season, improving even further on last year’s accomplishments.
Seasoned athletes and beginning gymnasts alike, the boy’s gymnastics team shows excellent support for their peers. During practices, as the different levels–freshman, junior varsity, and varsity–rotate through the stations, those watching their teammates perform will provide each other with motivation and feedback. If an athlete seems to struggle, they are met with yells of encouragement telling them to breathe and push themselves to succeed.
As a gymnast practices their routine, the others will watch and clap to, as Paulish describes it, “tell the guys who are competing that we’re all here for them.” While gymnasts compete individually, their team is right behind them, providing support and encouragement during both practices and meets.
As the new season begins, the members of the Lake Park boy’s gymnastics team are looking to grow individually and as a collective, showing their dedication to and love of the sport.
