“I am inheriting a team with very passionate gymnasts who are excited to learn. They are driven and I am excited to have the opportunity to push them to their limits,” Rueter said.
“I have had coaches who have helped me set goals and helped me attain those goals. I enjoy winning but I’m more about setting goals and that is what I want to do with the girls. I would rather have a girl score a personal best in a meet than for our team to win,” she added.
During her high school career at Melrose, Rueter achieved most of her individual goals. She made three appearances at the state meet in the balance beam, finishing 18th in 2008 and 2009, and improving to 14th in 2010 with a score of 9.075.
“Melrose has had a strong gymnastics tradition and I want to start that type of tradition in Bemidji,” Rueter said. “And I know that can be done.”
Last winter the team established a school points record, topping the 140-point barrier.
“I would like to see the team break the record again next year and send some individuals to the state meet,” Rueter said of her immediate team goals. “Last year Bemidji moved up to Class 2A and we are in a very tough section. But I know we are more than capable of sending some girls to state.”
Although this is her first venture into the high school coaching ranks at BHS, Rueter is familiar with her athletes and knows their capabilities.
“I’ve worked at the Gym Bin since 2011 and had the opportunity to work with all of the girls during the summer,” she said. “And last season I did my practicum working with the high school gymnastics team so I know the girls and they know me. And I am excited to work with them again.”