Millikan is looking to go out with its eighth straight Moore League title this season in the last year of gymnastics as an official sport in the Moore League.
High school gymnastics programs in the area have faced a steady decline in recent years due to club gymnastics, and Wilson and Lakewood are both among the fallen programs in recent years. This year the Moore League will only consist of two teams, Millikan and St. Joseph, who are each gearing up for their final campaigns.
“This sport has been something so special in the Moore League,” said Millikan coach Ashleigh Ferguson. “Though I understand some of the reasons the district is giving to why it is being dissolved, it will be a sad day.”
An eighth straight Moore League title would be the 16th championship for Ferguson since she started teaching and coaching at Millikan in 2009. Since then Ferguson has only lost one league title in what will go down as a dominant 17-year span.
Despite all the history on the line, Ferguson is prioritizing cherishing the final memories this year in the final season of the program.
“No injuries, team connection, and a last season to remember,” Ferguson said of her goals this season. “It’s not that important [to win another league title], I am more focused on celebrating the last year of gymnastics in the Moore League, but it would look nice to have Millikan round out the last names on that Moore League trophy.”
If Millikan does end up hoisting the Moore League trophy this year it would take a win over league opponents St. Joseph, who is the only other school left in the Moore League with a gymnastics program. Though there will be less teams standing in front of them en route to another title, St. Joseph has historically given Millikan its stiffest competition in recent years.
This year, the Rams will be led by seniors Eva Esqueda and Francesca Acosta, who have been dominant in the Moore League throughout their high school careers. They’ll be joined by fellow seniors Sofia Barba, Milan Blanco, Leah Burgess, and Dayna Hoenig.
Millikan will also look to juniors Kymora Khem, Jessica Petersen, and Cienna Rydman, alongside sophomores Lacy Beerling, Bailey Connor, Stella Daguro, Kailey Ortiz, Kaylie Ramirez, Kaya Sangkarat. The Rams will have a handful of freshmen in Sabrina Attardo, Leah Navarrete, and Stella Sivitos.
