Starting on March 5, a total of three Minot High School gymnasts; Pavyn Peterson, Saoirse Adkins and Sophie Bell traveled to Watford City to compete in the Nodak Norther Lights Invitational. Now in its third year of existence, the three-day meet features 530 gymnasts of 18 teams from four different states participating.

The Minot Daily News reached out to Peterson, Adkins and Bell to get their thoughts on the competition. Here is what the girls had to say via email.

What made you decide you wanted to compete in the Nodak Northern Lights Invitational?

Peterson: I really like this meet and wanted to make my competition season longer.

Adkins: I needed at least one competition under my belt for level four, and I did this meet the last time I was competing and it was really fun.

Bell: I decided to compete in the Nodak Northern Lights Meet because I had so much fun competing high school this year. I wanted to get as much competitions as possible. Also I have practiced with the USAG girls for so long and I missed being able to compete with them.

Have you ever competed in this meet before? If so, what was your prior experience like?

Peterson: Yes. I have competed there two times, last year and the year before. It is super fun and I won first place all-around in my level both times.

Adkins: Like I said previously, I have competed in this meet before and had a good experience with it. We got souvenirs to take home as well as some really cool ribbons. Some of them glow in blue light.

Bell: No, actually I’ve never been to this meet in particular. The last two times Watford has hosted a meet my family and I have been in Arizona as it has been over our spring break.

What are your main objectives going into the competition?

Peterson: I want to do my best and have fun.

Adkins: My main objectives going into this meet are to make all of my skills, wobbles or not. Obviously you don’t always want wobbles, but if you make the skill, it’s worth it most of the time.

Bell: My main objectives for this meet are to get all 8’s or higher scores in all events and feel confident with my routines and just have fun.

How do you think this experience will help better your skills as a gymnast?

Peterson: I can watch my routines on video and look closely at what I’m doing and try to correct myself for the next meet.

Adkins: Since the coaches are watching you compete, they can tell you what you need to work on for the next competition. I would work on those more at practice as well as looking at my score and thinking back on what I could have done better.

Bell: I think meets overall help my skills because I’m under a good amount of pressure so sometimes you get shaky and then you really got to stay tight and believe in what you can do.

What is your favorite part about gymnastics in general?

Peterson: I like doing skills and being with friends and getting better.

Adkins: My favorite part of gymnastics is getting a new skill or trying one. It’s always scary doing something you’ve never done before, but it’s also exciting. It’s even better if you make the skill, because now you can add it in to routines and practice it to make it better. That is always the best part about gymnastics.

Bell: My favorite part about gymnastics is floor because I love being able to perform some of my dance skills. I have been in dance since I was two and a half years old. Also when I tumble, I love the feeling of floating through the air.