Faribault’s McDonough State Balance Beam Champion

Faribault Falcon junior Maria McDonough said she was just happy to be able to compete at the state gymnastics tournament at the University of Minnesota Pavilion on Saturday. Boy, did she compete.

McDonough brought home a state championship in the Class AA balance beam competition and was the only person to beat gymnastics phenom Baily Dupay of Northfield in an event. Dupay, a senior, was the all-around champion for the third time and won the vault, uneven bars for a second time and floor exercise for a third time. She placed second to McDonough on the balance beam and was going for her third title there. McDonough collected a score of 9.6750, besting Dupay's score of 9.6125. Dupay gave McDonough a huge hug when the scores were announced.

Dupay's teammate and classmate Christy Anderson was third in the all-around, third on the floor exercise, second on the uneven bars and eighth on the balance beam.

McDonough also placed 15th on the vault, good enough for All-State Honorable Mention status.

Despite the good showing by the two Northfield gymnasts, Roseville Area captured their fourth straight AA title. The Raiders were sixth and Lakeville North third. Detroit Lakes was the winner in Class A and Section 1 representative Austin placed sixth.

According to the State High School League, Dupay is now the most decorated athlete of all time in Minnesota, with 14 state championships: three diving titles, three all-around, three floor exercise, two bars, two balance beam and one vault in gymnastics.