Shimon, Schaumburg look sharp

Schaumburg and Saxon senior Brooke Shimon are looking to take care of a bit of unfinished business.

Last year, Schaumburg girls gymnastic team took second in the Mid Suburban League, hitting a school record 143.15, but came up a bit short in its quest for a state berth.

And Shimon has qualified for the state meet two consecutive years, but injuries have always put a drag on her season.

Schaumburg and Shimon made a statement at Wednesday opening meet.

Shimon hit a career best 37.55 in taking first in the all-around leading Schaumburg to an impressive 142.60-109.10 Mid-Suburban League crossover victory at Buffalo Grove.

“I don't think any of the girls were happy with the way last year ended,” said Schaumburg coach Jami Stilling. “We were hoping to go a little bit further, and this year we're hoping to do that.”

And the Saxons got off to a good start, especially Shimon.

The senior hit a career best in taking first on the vault (9.75), adding two more first on the floor (9.4) and bars (9.1), and finishing the night by taking second on the beam (9.3).

“Finally starting the season with no injuries,” said Shimon, “It's good to be back and healthy this season.”

“She was focused all summer and worked hard, it was a great start,” said Stilling of Shimon's performance.

Shimon had plenty of help as senior Caitlin Barrett took first on the beam (9.4) and tied her sister Erin for second on the floor (9.0).

“We wanted to start where we finished last year,” said Caitlin Barrett, “but today was more about having fun.”

Junior Ashley Miller added to the Saxons' fun by taking second on vault (9.35) and tying Erin Barrett for second on the bars (8.2).

“It was good to get the jitters out tonight,” said Miller, who won the MSL all-around title last year. “It was a good start, but we can definitely improve.”

Junior Krysta Walter tied for third on the vault (8.7) to help lead a young Buffalo Grove team.

Junior Valerie Valak and sophomore Jordan Mann also aided the Bison attack.

The Bison lost Linda Dunne to graduation, and then suffered another blow when top returning gymnast Katie Strack went out in the preseason with an ankle injury.

Strack is due back in early January, and the Bison are looking to improve as the season progresses.

“Hopefully we can get healthy by the end of the season and see our score go up,” said BG coach Stephanie Schrader.