McNeel sweeps competition, qualifies for Regional meet
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In the rolling hills south of Charlo, it’s not uncommon to see youngsters Mason and Aynslee McNeel utilizing the family farm as a gymnastic paradise. From practicing the splits on a fence to high-flying back flips off their tree house fort, the two must be doing something right. On March 24, 12-year-old Mason took first all-around at the Montana State Gymnastics meet at the MetraPark in Billings.
Mason took first in the high bar and rings, and finished second in the parallel bars and pommel horse as a level six competitor. The solid performance qualified him for the Region Two Men’s Championships gymnastics meet in Boise, Idaho, April 14.
The young gymnast had to score 75 to qualify for the Boise meet, but Mason exceeded expectations by finishing the State meet with a final score of 82.6.
This isn’t his first time doing well at State, as Mason qualified for the regional meet in previous years. This will be his first time making the trip, however, as mother Ann Marie McNeel wanted her son to wait until the time was right.
“We’ve waited,” Ann Marie said. “(The regional meet) can be overwhelming. All the Montana gymnasts, even though they live far apart, know one another.”
At the regional meet, Mason might not see a single familiar competitor from Montana in his session, she added.
The upcoming meet will feature gymnasts from Montana, Washington, Oregon and Idaho. To prepare, the McNeel family travels to Bitterroot Gymnastics in Missoula three to four times a week, spending ten hours a week with coach Dave King.
After a successful season last year, Mason took the summer off from gymnastics, and his transition back into the sport was more difficult than he imagined. During that time, Mason experienced a growth spurt, which typically sets gymnasts back in terms of muscle development.
“I had to gain my muscle back to get in competition mode,” Mason said.
“His coach is surprised with how well he’s doing because of the growth spurt,” Ann Marie added.
In Missoula, Mason works with a level 10 gymnast high school senior. With the senior graduating this spring, Mason will lose his practice partner after this season.
“He’s really fortunate to work with a level 10, who is in high school,” Ann Marie said. “That’s helped a lot.”
Despite entering a new level of competition, Mason lets the pressure roll off his back.
“I’m not really nervous; (I’m treating it as) just another competition.” Mason said. “If I hit my routines like I do in practice, I’ll do fine.”
According to Ann Marie, Coach King says as long as Mason gets on the podium at least once, he’ll be happy.
“I’ve heard that boys rom Washington and Oregon work 20 hours a week,” Ann Marie said. “Our goal is to expose him to Regionals, and give him a better understanding of it for the future.”
Mason recently learned a new trick, the giants on the high bar, which propelled him to work even harder.
“It inspired him,” Ann Marie smiled. “We couldn’t get him out of the gym.”
As the years pass, Mason’s love for gymnastics continues to grow. He plans to continue the sport into high school, where he’ll have the opportunity to reach level 10, the highest level of gymnastic competition before secondary education.
