The second time was just as good as the first time for Austin seventh grader Maddie Mullenbach.

One year after she won he first career Midwest Amateur Gymnastics Association All-Around state title, Mullenbach matched that feat this past weekend in Faribault with another solid effort. Mullenbach took first in the vault, first in the bars, fifth on the floor and fifth on the beam to win her second straight MAGA state title.

Although she won the title last season, there was no guarantee that Mullenbach would be taking home the top honors again this season.

“I think of it as an accomplishment,” Mullenbach said. “I’ve been competing with the same girl from Rosemount all year and we’ve kind of become good friends. It depends on who’s having a good day with who wins between us and it goes back and forth.”

Next season Mullenbach will compete for the Austin High School gymnastics team, which finished fifth place in the Class ‘A’ state meet this year.

“It’s been fabulous working with her and we feel she’ll be an all-arounder for Mark (Raymond) with the high school team next year,” YMCA Gymnastics Director Guy Knepper said of Mullenbach.

Austin’s Guardians team, which took second place in the MAGA Division II team state meet two weeks ago, also sent three other individuals to state as Sidney Bangert took third in All-Around, fourth in the vault, third on the floor, sixth on the beam and third on the bars.

Jennifer Boyle took 11th on the floor and sixth on the bars, Kelsey Hackenmiller took 10th on the bars and Alecia Uskert took 11th on the bars.

Knepper said the YMCA program is in good hands, especially with the recent addition of training space and a foam pit.

“Things are looking real bright, that’s for sure. Safety is enhanced and our skills are increasing,” he said.

Mullenbach is looking forward to competing for the Packers, who she cheered on at meets this year. She could’ve competed with them with this year, but she figured one more year on the YMCA team would do her some good.

“It was kind of too early (for me),” Mullenbach said. “I know a lot of people from the high school team, but I felt I should stay one more year. Sam Kiker has been a real nice coach at the ‘Y’ and I wanted to work with her again this year. I’m looking forward to competing with the high school team, but I’ll miss everyone here.”

Knepper thinks his program will have plenty of additions next season as the summer Olympics take place in London this year.

“This will be one crowded place next fall,” Knepper said. “Gymnastics is the most watched event of the summer games and a lot of kids will be inspired to join us.”

RESULTS FROM INDIVIDUAL STATE MEET

All-Around: Maddie Mullenbach (first); Sidney Bangert (third)

Vault: Mullenbach (first); Bangert (fourth)

Floor: Bangert (third); Mullenbach (fifth); Jennifer Boyle (11th)

Beam: Mullenbach (fifth); Bangert (sixth)

Bars: Mullenbach (first); Bangert (third); Boyle (sixth); Kelsey Hackenmiller (10th); Alecia Uskert (11th)

RESULTS FROM TEAM STATE MEET

All-Around: Mullenbach (second); Bangert (fourth)

Vault: Mullenbach (first); Bangert (fourth)

Floor: Bangert (first); Hackenmiller (fourth); Mullenbach (seventh)

Beam: Bangert (third); Mullenbach (third)

Bars: Mullenbach (first); Bangert (first); Boyle (first); Hackenmiller (eighth); Uskert (ninth)