Carmel's Lococo floors it in state finale
Samantha Lococo had been here. She hadn't done that, however.
The Carmel Catholic senior competed in the state gymnastics meet the last three years. She led the Corsairs to a third-place finish last year, earning fifth on floor, and as a sophomore she was third in the event.
Saturday, she saved her best for last.
In the final performance of her high school career, Lococo performed a dazzling routine to win the title on floor with a 9.60. She also chalked up ninth place on bars (9.275), tying Sandburg's Maddy Roe.
"I couldn't believe it until it actually happened," Lococo said of her state championship. "I just wanted to go out there and have fun because it was my last time competing."
Lococo said she learned a lot in her high school career from her coaches and her teammates.
"I also wanted to do it for Coach Glugg (Nicole Stroup)," Lococo said. "She changed my gymnastics for the better and I fed off her. Before I went out there, I was thinking, 'Do it for Glugg.' I wanted to do it for myself, my coach and for the team. We didn't have the best meet, but I couldn't have (taken first) without them. They also won this medal, and I owe it to them."
Lococo put aside some difficulties early in her Carmel career to achieve her success.
"I struggled with mental blocks," she said. "My old coaches tried to help me the best that they could and I got frustrated a bit. I just wanted to prove to myself that I could do this."
Stroup couldn't have been prouder of her senior.
"She's been working for this for three years now," Stroup said. "I'm so proud of her and have been dreaming for this moment. And it's finally here. I have tears in my eyes and am overjoyed for her. It definitely helps a bit for the weekend. It's something nice to go home and celebrate with. Her state series was something remarkable."
Carmel finished in fourth place with 145.15, just ahead of New Trier (145.1). Prairie Ridge (148.8) won the state championship for the third straight year. DeKalb (146.95) was second and Glenbrook South (146.675) finished third.
DeKalb's Aleah Leman won vault with a 9.85. Leman also placed first on the bars, tying Glenbard West's Maddie Diab (9.525). Caleigh Pistorius of Maine South and New Trier's Maeve Murdock share the title on beam (9.425).