Perfect role for Fremd gymnast

Perfection.

It's something Fremd gymnast Mary Burke strives for in every meet in every event, and she usually achieves it more times than not.

But she doesn't really like to talk about it.

Leadership.

It's something Burke does for the rest of the team, including the junior-varsity and freshman girls.

However, it's hard to get her say a word about that very important role.

Shining star.

Fremd has never lacked for stars, most of them considered the best in the state during their high school careers. Burke follows in their footsteps.

When Burke competes in any event, 99 percent of the rest of the people in the gym -- gymnasts and spectators alike -- stop what they're doing and watch in awe at every movement she makes, marveling at her precision.

Burke's mind is so set on what she is doing that she barely notices the extra attention.

"I really don't notice it that much," Burke said. "My mind is just on my routine and I focus on what I have to do. It's no good to have that bother me."

"Occasionally, I notice when the gym goes all quiet when she competes," said Fremd coach Jim Guest, who does notice her focus. "She has tremendous focus. She's down to earth and that's one of the great things about her. When we have three-level competitions, she cheers the other two.

"She's worked very hard and is very focused, but even so, the level she's been at is very impressive."

Guest had never seen Mary perform before high school, but he was the assistant coach at Fremd when her older sister, Katie, was starring in the top spot for the Vikings.

In four years, Katie won seven individual state medals, but her team never won state.

In the last three years, Mary has won four individual state titles and led her team to two state championships.

"What I was most impressed of was how she gets in the gym and sets the tone for the other ones," Guest said. "A leader by example."

Burke began gymnastics when she was 5 years old at the Palatine Park District.

"My two older sisters were into gymnastics. I wanted to be like them," said Mary Burke, whose oldest sister, Rachel, didn't compete in high school.

Mary then switched to the American Academy in Wheeling.

"When I was seven I first started competing," Burke said. "It was then that I knew I liked the sport. I just liked learning new things."

A self-confessed daredevil, Burke draws raves from her peers and the crowds on some of her more difficult moves.

Freshman year was an enjoyable one for Mary.

"It went exactly the way that I thought," she said. "I had a lot of fun doing it. I don't think they brought me along slowly.

"Freshman year we won (state), but we didn't the second year. The difference for me was that I was just more used to having so many meets. I was more prepared.

"Junior year we won state. It was definitely our goal. We got two new freshmen that year and we wanted to be state champions again.

"This year, being a senior, I wanted to be more ready for the season."