Kimmie Marton is working with a healthy mix of experienced high school gymnasts and promising, club-level youngsters as she enters her eighth season at the helm of the Sumner High program.

From day one, the Spartan program has taken a step forward from a season ago. With 20 gymnasts on her current roster, Marton has more depth than in 2009, when she finished the campaign with just a dozen competitors.

At the top of the Spartan list is Aja Ruswick, a veteran of the 2009 state gymnastics meet. Also with varsity experience are sophomores Marissa Gregg, Elise Chalcraft and Ayla St. Maur-Windle.

Among the highly-touted newcomers are Kimi Nakayama, Sierra Tinsley and Dana Devereaux, all members of the freshman class and all veterans of club programs.

Last week’s winter weather cancelled practices and caused the team to scrap its first meet, which was slated for tonight, Wednesday. Now, SHS gymnasts will make their season debut Dec. 8 at Emerald Ridge High.