Boys gymnastics: Winning identity for Glenbard West at Rolling Meadows

Twins like to do things together, and Aiden and Shea Rudolph certainly fit that pattern.

But the Glenbard West twins decided to change things up Saturday at the 37th annual Vic Avigliano Mustang Invitational at Rolling Meadows.

Aiden, who competed on the vault, and Shea, who was on the parallel bars, both attempted new routines. The result was a resounding success, as both posted their highest scores ever.

Aiden scored a 9.60 on the vault while Shea had a 9.10 on the parallel bars. Both finished first to help lead Glenbard West to the team title for the second consecutive year with a 53.10.

"It is the first time I ever did this vault in a competition," said Aiden Rudolph, who attempted a Koz with an extra half-twist.

"It was my highest score ever on that apparatus. It gives me confidence going into the second half of the season."

Also showing some confidence was his brother Shea, who won the event by nearly a full point.

"This meet is a good opportunity to try new things," Shea Rudolph said. "It went really well. I don't know what else we can try new tonight."

Also winning for Glenbard West was Alexander Demeris. The senior was solid in the high bar, winning the event with a 9.30.

"It was different, because you can only compete in one event," said Demeris, who is an all-arounder. "It was good though. I could just concentrate on one event and this is my best event."

With that trio leading the way and a second-place finish by Daniel Eichin on the pommel horse, the Hilltoppers showed their depth. Their team score was nearly 2½ points better than second-place Schaumburg, which finished with a 50.75.

"It is fun meet," said Glenbard West coach Frank Novakowski. "We match up well for the meet. We have six different guys who are pretty decent on one event. The whole idea is team depth, and we just have a great dedicated group of kids."

For host Rolling Meadows it has been nearly 10 years since a member of the Mustangs has been a top the winner's podium. Ben Kowalski changed all that when he won the floor with a season-high 9.50.

Kowalski said competing at home was definitely a key factor in his performance.

"It is definitely nice to be competing on our own floor," Kowalski said. "Some schools and their equipment are not always the best. I know how our floor is, and it is good. I felt confident coming in."

Kowalski had to overcome some injuries before the season to get to this point. He broke his foot last November and has had back issues this season. He just completed in the all-around for the first time this year on Wednesday.

"We are super excited because it has been a long time," Rolling Meadows coach Michael Costa said. "He is very clean on floor and he has a lot of great skills."

Wheaton co-op's Joey Dirienzo finished up a three-day run of meets with a first-place finish on the pommel horse with an 8.70.

"Last night (Friday) was a little rough on pommel horse for me," Dirienzo said. "It was good to come back. I got some rest last night, but I am exhausted now."

Niles North's Ben Arcus won the rings with a 9.60.

Schaumburg, which has been strong all season, showed great balance. The Saxons got top-five performances from Brandon Nyborg (second on high bar), Jake Raeside (third on rings), Wei Ping Lam (fourth on vault), Kamari Greer (fourth on parallel bars) and Nathan Frank (fifth on pommel horse).