Close to 30 girls from Enumclaw High and a few from White River turned up for coach Ben Skipworth’s first high school gymnastics team practice Nov. 8.

Those are the kind of numbers EHS Athletic Director Kevin Smith is glad to see since the program was started based on student interest.

Unlike gymnastics at other schools, Enumclaw High’s program will be club-based, yet still compete as a member of the league and state.

Like EHS’s judo, water polo and equestrian programs, gymnastics will have to be self-sufficient when it comes to funding, providing, for example, its own transportation and full or partial facility rental fees. But unlike those other sports, the Washington Interscholastic Activity Association offers gymnastic as one of its approximately 23 boys and girls competitive sports.

Smith said the already tight Associated Student Body budget could not accommodate another sport; however, like other club sports, certain costs – like coaches’ stipends – are covered through an activity fund.

Recently, the district hired Skipworth to coach.

“We’re still ironing out the wrinkles,” said Skipworth, who brings a wealth of experience from Enumclaw’s Peak Gymnastics and before that Enumclaw Gymnastics Center.

“He has plenty of experience working with kids at both facilities for a number of years,” Smith said. “We’ve heard good things about him and he’s very experienced. We’re excited.”

Practices will take place at Peak Gymnastics, where the appropriate equipment – floor, bars, vault and beam – are available. The Hornets will compete in all four events, plus all-around, against league teams like Auburn Mountainview, Bonney Lake, Decatur and Sumner.

The Hornets first meet is scheduled for Dec. 1 at Auburn Mountainview. All matches during the first year will be on the road.