Boys gymnastics: Thumbs up for Wheaton Warrenville co-op
Aiden Moran's thumb injury kept him sidelined most of this spring for Wheaton Warrenville co-op.
That thumb was pointing up during Friday's DuPage Valley Conference meet at Lake Park as Moran, who recently returned from that injury, tied for first place with teammate Chris Wiper in the floor exercise to help his team cruise to victory.
Wheaton co-op eclipsed 150 for the first time this spring, scoring a season-high 151.650 and easily surpassing runner-up Naperville North's 139.85. The winners also had the top four scores on pommel horse.
The Lancers were third with a 133, Naperville Central was fourth with a 129.05 while Glenbard North did not field a varsity squad.
"It felt great to be out there and I was happy with the person who I tied with. I'm glad he got a first-place medal, because he deserved it," Moran said. "He's been great and will continue to be great."
The co-op is an even greater team with a healthy Moran in the lineup and it showed.
"I used to joke that I kind of wished I got injured so I could get a break from it," Moran said with a laugh. "I actually did, but looking back I never wish it happened. It wasn't worth it. I'm just glad to be back."
Senior Austin Tate led the co-op, winning the all-around with a 51.35. He also won the pommel horse, still rings, parallel bars and high bar.
"We hit five of our six events so I'd say we were happy tonight," Tate said. "We got another season high so we have to be happy with where we ended up, but we still have some work to do for the sectional."
The unheralded Joey DiRienzo also had a dynamite meet for the winners, finishing second on pommel horse, parallel bars and high bar and third on still rings.
"Joey is the workhorse for us and pommel has been one of his best events, but he's also a good rings and high bar and parallel bars competitor," Wheaton co-op coach Greg Gebhardt said. "He had a broken foot last year so it took some time for him to get back, but he's a very hard worker and I sleep well knowing he's in the lineup."
Brian Kay, who took second in the all-around with a 47.6 and second on vault, paced Naperville North. Kay also had a pair of third-place finishes on parallel bars and high bar. Riyaaz Khan was second on still rings, Michael Hunter took third on vault, Dan Moore was fourth on floor and Tyler Child was fifth on pommel horse for the Huskies.
Luke Badger took third in the all-around with a 46.25 to lead the Lancers. His teammate Louis Ranieri was third on floor.
"We're doing a good job of stepping up from where we were early in the season," Badger said. "A 133 is very solid for us."
Badger hopes to make an impact on high bar in the state series. He finished fourth on Friday with an 8.25.
"I over-rotated a bit and landed on my butt, but it's better today than next week," he said. "I'm essentially at a 10.0 now with the bonus so if I can stick that dismount I'll be good."
Tahj Jacobs provided the biggest highlight for the Redhawks, winning vault with an 8.8.
"I've been up there like that with my vault for most of the season," Jacobs said. "I just tried to get the best score possible and I got that today. I have to thank my team for keeping me strong. I've very grateful."
Junior Kevin Sedlacek finished fifth in the all-around for the Redhawks with a 38.35.