BREIDABLIK — The Kingston and North Kitsap gymnastics teams opted out of the optional Washington Open Winter Invitational to save money towards more equipment.

The invite, held Jan. 10 at Black Hills Gymnastics, is a fundraiser for the national meet held in Florida for the seniors. It is not required, North Kitsap head coach Kris Goodfellow said.

“It’s one of those things we try to do,” Goodfellow said. This year, however, the teams skipped the invite so the programs could save towards additional mats. Mats cost between $1,200-$1,500.

It costs a team of three $125 to attend the invite. Along with other costs and purchases this season, the invite wasn’t feasible.

The teams operate out of the Breidablik Elementary Gymnasium. “We have everything we need to safely run a program,” Goodfellow said. “But we have the bare minimum.”

The teams have to move the mats around in order to use the various equipment. Goodfellow would like to have one or two more landing mats next year, she said.

The teams get money from the Associated Student Body for use throughout the season. Goodfellow said the teams may ask the schools’ athletic booster clubs for help. The teams will do fundraising, which could include gymnastics camps in the summer.

Next: The Kingston Buccaneers host Port Angeles at 7 p.m. on Jan. 16 in Breidablik Elementary.

The Bucs and North Kitsap Vikings travel to Port Angeles for a 10:30 a.m. meet on Jan. 19.