Courtesy Photo Pictured, from left, Alpena gymnasts Brooke Smith, Faith Dragiewicz, and Callie Brousseau will compete on Thursday in the Junior Olympic Games in Houston, Texas.

ALPENA — Alpena gymnasts are heading to Houston, Texas to compete in the Junior Olympic Games this week. Seniors Callie Brousseau, Faith Dragwiecz, and Brooke Smith will be competing on Thursday in the preliminary competition. Their individual results will determine whether they will compete in the actual Junior Olympic Games on Saturday.

“Thirteen other sports will be represented at these games besides gymnastics, where there is an opening ceremony just like the actual Olympics,” said head coach Geri Samp. “This will be so exciting for the girls and families to be a part of.”

The gymnasts are excited about the opportunity.

“I am looking forward to traveling one last time all together, and ending our senior season somewhere that we’ve never competed before,” Smith said. “The biggest thing I want to accomplish is qualifying on my favorite event, the floor exercise, for the next round. But I mostly want to focus on doing what we do the best, which is taking the time to encourage and cheer each other on the day of competition. What this experience means to me is that our hard work and commitment in the gym has truly paid off. We’ve all grown up in the gym together since we were little, and making it to Houston to compete in the JO games is such a cool way to end our last season.”

Brousseau said, “I am looking forward to competing with Brooke and Faith for the last time, and showing off what we have worked so hard for. The main thing I want to accomplish is to give my 100% and do the best I can on competition day. I would also like to qualify for the second round. It’s super exciting that all three of us seniors get to experience this together. It is truly an amazing way to end our gymnastics careers.”

Dragwiecz added, “I am looking forward to being able to showcase our skills that we have perfected from months of hard work and dedication, one last time. I want to have one last fun competition with Brooke and Callie. It’s amazing to see each other succeed at things we have watched each other work for all this time. It’s so surreal. We all have grown up together in this gym, and seeing how far we have come together is amazing. It really shows that our years of hard work have paid off.”

Coach Billy Brousseau stated, “As a proud father and coach it’s truly amazing what these girls have accomplished throughout their years. Countless hours in the gym, and confidence to succeed have notched their spots at the top of their levels. I can’t wait to watch them shine in Houston.”