Coupeville 7th grader Ryanne Knoblich is a two-time state champ in gymnastics. (Photo courtesy Mariah Knoblich)
Kaia Crebbin, an 8th grader at CMS, is also a two-time state champ and the duo compete at regionals in Nevada this week. (Photo courtesy Toni Crebbin)
Two of Whidbey’s best are vaulting into the big time.
Coupeville’s Kaia Crebbin and Ryanne Knoblich compete Thursday at a regional gymnastics meet in Las Vegas, with an eye on returning to Nevada in July for nationals.
The duo, who compete in trampoline and tumbling, started as teammates before Crebbin moved from the Island Flyers to Ground Zero Gymnastics out of Mount Vernon.
Reuniting on the big stage is a thrill for both of them.
“Even though they are no longer on the same team, Ryanne loves supporting Kaia,” said mom Mariah Knoblich. “They’ve tumbled together since she first made the team, and are happy to be back in any gym together.”
Crebbin is an 8th grader at Coupeville Middle School, while Knoblich is a 7th grader.
Both come from athletic families, with siblings (Jaelyn Crebbin, Gavin Knoblich) who are currently playing sports for the Wolves.
Kaia and Ryanne have put in long hours training, both starting gymnastics when they were third-graders.
It’s paid off, with the duo racking up awards all the way up to the state level.
Knoblich was a two-time state champ in Level 6 (ages 13-14) this year, winning titles in both trampoline and double mini (trampoline).
She claimed a second, third and fifth her last time at regionals and is on the hunt for gold this time around, said her mom.
Crebbin also emerged from the state meet as a two-time winner, competing in Level 7 (ages 13-14) in tumbling and double mini. She also had a second for trampoline in Level 6.
Kaia, who has qualified for nationals in both the trampoline and double mini, wants to make it three-for-three by advancing in tumbling as well.
“Tumbling is her favorite event,” said mom Toni Crebbin. “She has really been working hard on her tumbling event and hopes to make that score as well, since we plan on going (to Reno) in July (for nationals).”
It’s about more than trophies and medals for the Coupeville duo, though.
Mariah Knoblich sums it up nicely, with an assist from her daughter.
“She like gymnastics so much, and I quote – “Because I love it, and there’s kinda a thrill flying in the air!”
