Arvada West’s Jessica Jankowski wasn’t at her best in last Thursday’s Class 5A regional gymnastics meet on her home floor. And that’s scary news for the rest of the competition at this week’s state championships.

Jankowski, a sophomore, said she wasn’t at the top of her game in any of the four individual events, but she was still good enough to capture the all-around title and grab some momentum heading into state.

Jankowski was the only individual competing in the all-around who finished among the top six contestants on balance beam, floor, vault and the uneven bars. That effort allowed her to nab the all-around crown, nipping the Overland duo of Ashlynn Graybill and Kellyn Toole, who finished second and third respectively.

Jankowski finished the night with a 37.05, ahead of Graybill (36.8) and Toole (36.75).

Overland was able to win all the individual events, however, as the Trailblazers of coach Lisa Sparrow came away with the team championship by scoring 182.4 points. Standley Lake finished in second (176.475), Arvada West third (176.2).

Rounding out the top six in the all-around competition was Thornton’s Sierra Kirylo in fourth (36.7), Standley Lake’s Hannah Bissani in fifth (36.6) and Overland’s Katie Johnson, sixth, 36.6. Bissani had the tie-breaker in one of her individual events to garner the fifth-place ribbon.

“I was nervous and excited and just wanted to stay focused,” said Kirylo, only a freshman. “My bars were the best of the season and I was pleased with my beam. Now, I hope I’ll be qualified for state.”

Added Bissani, “The vault was key for me and I had a good start and it was also a good start for all of us. I felt confident and our whole team did great. The competition was tough, Overland had a lot going for them. I just hoped the best for everyone.”

Standley Lake coach Kristen Larington knew it was going to be a tough night against Overland.

“There was a lot of pressure on the girls and I think we actually had a horrible meet,” Larington said. “There was a lot of stress. Hannah had a good night and Zoie (Hoben) was strong again on floor. Overland’s a fine, fine team and they’ll be tough at state. I think our kids will rebound, though.”

Those, too, are the thoughts of Standley Lake’s Madison York, who finished third on the balance beam (9.3).

“I think it wasn’t one of our best nights,” York said. “I think I did a decent job on beam and proud of that as it was a PR for me. That’s a big deal for me, too. It was exciting that we won league, too, and it would have been great to have won tonight. Now, we’ll have to see how we do at state.”

Many of the athletes and coaches were actually left hanging as to whether or not they will make it to the state meet. Only the top three teams and individuals in each event were able to advance through the regional competition. They then had to wait until all the scores by the teams and individuals were tabulated with the next best gymnasts and teams, regardless of region, were to be announced by the Colorado High School Activities Association.

Among those individuals hoping to make the cut, as well as advance with their team were Bear Creek’s Myranda Dominguez and Jordan Cordova.

“I think we did well, but it was a tough evening,” said Dominguez. “I had a lot of jitters and was trying hard to work through them.”

Added Cordova, “My floor was my best and as a team I think we stayed positive. We all tried to do our bests and what more can anyone ask. Now, we’ll just have to see what happens with all the scoring around the regions.”