It’s tough to balance academics and athletics in high school, but the Austin High School Packer gymnastics team has come through in the clutch once again. All of the athletes who helped Austin earn fourth place as a team at the Class A state meet last Saturday should be commended.

The local gymnastics team has consistently earned top honors in its sport. These athletes have gone to state four times in the past five years, and the gymnasts posted their best team score at state — 148.3 — last week.

Austin junior Abby Bickler had the best floor routine of the meet with a 9.775, which helped her take fourth place in the All-Around competition. Her fellow gymnast, freshman Maddie Mullenbach, took fifth with strong showings on all events.

Of course, the star of the state meet was senior Sela Fadness once again. Fadness took home back-to-back individual All-Around championships with her first-place wins in floor, vault and beam competitions Saturday. Fadness has dominated throughout her time in Austin and should be proud of her myriad accomplishments.

Yet these three are part of a strong group of young women who have brought a lot of positive attention on Austin and local gymnastics. The 11-athlete team and its coaches deserve plenty of praise for their accolades. Well done.