MUNCIE — When Sami Heathcote was a freshman, she thought it would be nice to win the IHSAA Mental Attitude Award for gymnastics her senior year.
But after being unable to compete last year, the Columbus North senior wondered if that might still be a possibility.
Saturday afternoon, in front of a Worthen Arena that was absent of fans, Heathcote was presented with the Mildred M. Ball Mental Attitude following the Gymnastics State Finals. She is the fourth Bull Dog in the past five years and fifth in the past eight years to win the award.
“It was really amazing,” Heathcote said. “That was kind of my goal since freshman year. Placing (in an event) would have been cool, but the Mental Attitude Award is amazing to me. It was a good way to end.”
Heathcote missed her entire junior year after experiencing post-concussion syndrome from a concussion suffered the summer after her sophomore year.
“Coming back from that, that’s a tough deal,” North co-coach Bob Arthur said. “It obviously shook her up considerably last year, so for her to come back and rock it like she did this year was great. So I think that probably fed into her getting that award, along with the academics and being a good gymnast overall.”
Saturday’s state meet was held without fans because of concerns over the spread of ther COVID-19 virus.
“I was kind of scared it was going to get canceled, but honestly, it was more fun that the spectators aren’t here because it was more relaxed, and all of the gymnasts were cheering one another on since there weren’t parents to cheer us on,” Heathcote said. “It just created more of a community between us all.”
Heathcote, who just missed a medal Saturday with a seventh-place finish on the floor, ranks 10th in her class with a 4.28 GPA. She has been offered a pair of engineering scholarships and is considering attending Purdue or Valparaiso.
This year, Heathcote was one of all four senior varsity gymnasts to earn Academic All-State honors.
“They’re all super intellingent, super studious kids,” North co-coach Sandy Freshour said. “They’re all as a class just super kids, and Sami works hard, as they all do. It’s pretty remarkable for her to come back after the concussion last year and to get the scores she has this yeaer. She’s just a great all-around super person.”
