The stakes were high at the Vermont Principals’ Association championship. But the gymnastics team from Essex was determined to close an undefeated season with one final statement. And that was to win at all. Every routine, every landing, every score had led to this moment. But just as they were gearing up for their biggest challenge yet, an unexpected event changed everything. Especially for their coach, who had just newly embraced her motherhood.

Essex proved unstoppable once again, securing back-to-back state titles. They outperformed runner-up St. Johnsbury, cementing their position as Vermont’s top gymnastics team. 16 championships in 20 years! Incredible! But this time, their biggest supporter, head coach Mary Savage, wasn’t there to witness it. Why? Well, because she had just welcomed a new chapter of her own.

The Essex gymnastics team had to face the sudden news as they entered Champlain Valley Union High School for the championship meet. Their dedicated head coach, Mary Savage, would not accompany them on that important day because she was going into labor days before the competition. She entered labor soon before the competition when reaching 39 weeks of pregnancy.

It was a major blow to the team. This was the most critical moment of their season, but they had no lead coach to support them. It was then the assistant coach,

Anna Charland, took the matter into her own hands. The girls rallied together with fierce determination, fully aware of how much this moment meant not only for them but for their coach, who had guided them to this point.

“We were definitely shocked because we saw her a couple of hours before and no signs, but we just knew that we had to bring it home for her,” said senior Jocelyn Bourget to burlingtonfreepress.com. “It means everything that we get to share this moment with her and it’s probably been the best day of her life,” Bourget continued.

The Hornets were all ready to give their best. Lydia Ruggles continued her dominance, securing a second consecutive all-around title with a score of 37.125. The junior’s stellar performance, including a top finish on the floor with a 9.725, showed the dedication and hard work she had put in to be there for her team. However, it was not just Ruggles who had given her all but the entire team giving the perfect baby shower gift to their coach.

Rising to the unexpected occurrence, showcasing resilience

Lydia Ruggles made history as the first gymnast to defend her all-around title since South Burlington’s Diana Gregoire in 2019. Ruggles’ score of 37.125 edged out her rivals, including Brattleboro’s Lauren Chute, who took second place with 36.650, and Essex’s Jocelyn Bourget, who finished third with 36.225.

Ruggles reflected on the fierce competition, saying, “They make me push myself harder, so I love competing with them,” acknowledging how Brattleboro’s Chute and Bourget’s performance pushed her to be better. With both Chute and Ruggles still in high school, the rivalry promises to be more intense. Talk about the leadership of the assistant coach!

Despite the unexpected absence of head coach Mary Savage, Essex’s gymnastics team demonstrated remarkable unity. Assistant coach Anna Charland, who had been in close contact with Savage’s husband, was prepared for the ahead. “Mary set them up really strong, and we kind of planned for her potentially not being here,” Charland said.

“We were ready to go when we got here, and the girls really showed up and showed out.” The Hornets embraced the challenge together. Their collective effort is what got them this victory. What do you think about their remarkable performance? Stepping up to give their head coach the best present they could ever give. Feels great, doesn’t it?

Knowing the people you have worked hard for values your efforts. Let us know in the comments what you think about this.