Bull Dogs Rally for 23rd Sectional Crown; Lewis Wins All-Around for East

Columbus North overcomes deficit to capture sectional title, while Columbus East's Bethany Lewis takes all-around crown

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Columbus North High School gymnastics team rallied from behind to capture their 23rd sectional championship, posting their highest team score of the night on balance beam to overtake Noblesville and Roncalli. Sophomore Hayden Harper led the way for North, winning beam and finishing second on bars, third on floor, and third in the all-around. Meanwhile, Columbus East junior Bethany Lewis won the individual all-around title, taking first on floor and adding strong performances on vault, bars, and beam.

Why it matters

Gymnastics is a major high school sport in Indiana, with the sectional and regional competitions serving as crucial steps toward the state championship. Columbus North's 23rd sectional title is a testament to the program's sustained excellence, while Bethany Lewis' all-around victory highlights the individual talent emerging from the Columbus East program.

The details

Trailing heading into the final event, the balance beam, Columbus North put together three clean routines to post a 27.65 team score, the highest of the night for the Bull Dogs. This late surge vaulted them past Noblesville and Roncalli to capture the sectional crown with a 104.750 total. Sophomore Hayden Harper led the way for North, winning beam, finishing second on bars, third on floor, and third in the all-around. Senior Ellie McIntier added a second-place beam routine and a fifth-place finish in the all-around. Meanwhile, Columbus East junior Bethany Lewis won the individual all-around title with a 35.775, taking first on floor, second on vault, third on bars, and contributing a strong beam performance. Senior Kai Scott also advanced individually for the Olympians.

  • The Franklin Central Sectional took place on March 2, 2026.

The players

Columbus North High School

The Columbus North High School gymnastics team, known as the Bull Dogs, is a powerhouse program that has now won 23 sectional championships.

Hayden Harper

A sophomore gymnast at Columbus North High School who won the balance beam event, finished second on bars, third on floor, and third in the all-around at the sectional competition.

Ellie McIntier

A senior gymnast at Columbus North High School who placed second on the balance beam and fifth in the all-around at the sectional meet.

Bethany Lewis

A junior gymnast at Columbus East High School who won the individual all-around title at the sectional competition, taking first on floor exercise, second on vault, third on bars, and contributing a strong beam routine.

Kai Scott

A senior gymnast at Columbus East High School who advanced individually to the regional competition with solid routines on balance beam and floor exercise.

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What they’re saying

“When it mattered most, Columbus North turned to the beam — and the beam delivered.”

— Jeremy Giggy, Sports Director, White River Broadcasting (1010wcsi.com)

What’s next

Columbus North will now advance to the Franklin Central Regional, where they will look to secure a spot at the state championship meet. Bethany Lewis and Kai Scott of Columbus East will also compete at the regional level, aiming to extend their individual seasons.

The takeaway

This sectional competition showcased the depth and talent of gymnastics programs in the Columbus, Indiana area. Columbus North's ability to rally on the balance beam to capture their 23rd sectional crown demonstrates the program's sustained excellence, while Bethany Lewis' all-around victory highlights the individual talent emerging from Columbus East. Both schools will look to build on these successes as they advance to the regional round.