OLATHE, Kan. -- The Sunflower League, which includes Olathe and Shawnee Mission Schools, has decided to discontinue gymnastics at the high school level due to low participation.

The decision affects 12 schools within the league, including athletes from the Shawnee Mission, Lawrence and Olathe School Districts. Participation in gymnastics has declined significantly, with only 70 participants statewide this past season, down from 108 in the previous school year.

"I was very, very sad, but I understood," said Sarah Hink, Head Gymnastics Coach with the Shawnee Mission School District.

"The numbers are declining, and the girls are starting to stay in club gymnastics."

The Shawnee Mission School District currently has 18 gymnasts from across the district on one team, a significant decrease f

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