The boys’ gymnastics team had five athletes qualify for state last year, including returning gymnasts Dylan Oddo, and Jeremy Guinn. Oddo qualified for floor with a score of 8.65 and Guinn qualified for pommel horse with a score of 7.95. Guinn finished the state meet taking 13th place in the pommel horse competition.
Last season the team graduated two of the top gymnasts in the state, Thomas Brethauer and Strahinja Sopcic. Brethauer placed second at state for still rings and Sopcic placed in the all-around competition and was also named IHSA senior gymnast of the year. “We lost two of the top ringmen in the state in [Brethauer] and [Sopcic]. [Sopcic] was also an all-arounder. Those are big shoes to fill,” head coach Anthony Ciezadlo said.
This season the team is focusing on highlighting strengths of gymnasts, and having specialists to create a well-rounded program. “In gymnastics you can’t expect everyone to be good at everything. You have an all-arounder and surround him with specialists. The specialist’s job is to be the best at that event,” Ciezadlo said.
The coaches have high hopes for the team to qualify for state. “We are thinking about how to get to state all the time. We ask the kids to challenge themselves mentally and physically every day,” Ciezadlo said.
Ciezadlo mentions the keys to being a good gymnast are working on the elements within each event. “There are certain elements that need to be achieved, and there are certain skills that need to be done within these elements to get a high score,” Ciezadlo said.
For example, the five elements of rings are strength, swing to strength, swing to handstand, swing, and dismount. Junior Kevin Vansanten competes on still rings and intends to master the elements for his event this season. “I personally plan on picking up all five elements on my event. I currently have three and a half of them,” Vansanten said.
The athletes are also trying to stay healthy to make the road to state easier. “Depending on how hard we work and how many injuries we have, we could make it to state. That will take a lot of practice though,” said senior captain Jake Graham.
The freshman team is looking to be a solid foundation for the future of the program. “This year we have already had a better start, and we last year we took second in conference. I think that taking first in conference attainable for us,” Coach Larry Baca said.
Coaches work to motivate gymnasts on the mental side as well as the physical side of gymnastics. “Coach Hois always tells the kids to at least make an attempt. At least try to learn a new trick,” Ciezadlo said.
Overall, the entire team is determined to push themselves to become a contender in the state competition this year, and in the future. “I practice every day to better myself and I push others to do the same,” Vansanten said.
Claire Hoette | Sports Editor
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