Dukes claim crown at state
Silver is both the traditional and modern gift for a 25-year anniversary.
To commemorate its last state boys gymnastics championship since 1983, York simply did what it did 25 years ago, celebrate with a gift of a championship trophy.
The Dukes led Lincoln-Way East 136.1-133.6 heading into the final event for both teams. The Griffins completed their vaults before the Dukes began on pommel horse, where York needed better than a 25.5 to claim the championship.
Caleb Strejc nailed his routine, scoring a 8.95. Kyle Carmona followed with a 9.3 before Christian Carmona wrapped it all up with a 9.35 to give York a 163.7-161.6 victory over runner-up Lincoln-Way.
"It's one of our roughest events and we had some of our best routines," Christian Carmona said. "It was pretty awesome."
And the Dukes were prepared for this type of finish on pommel horse.
"It's a tough event to finish on, no doubt about it," York coach Rich Larsen said. "They really worked hard emphasizing that event a lot this past week and they proved that they were ready to do it. It was a great way to end."
It also helped the Dukes forget about last year's 159.8-158.8 loss to Palatine in the finals.
"Last year we let it slip away," Christian Carmona said. "This year we weren't going to let it slip away."
Glenbard West and Lake Park finished tied for fifth place with 153.150 points apiece. It proved to be a significant finish for both programs as the Hilltoppers were making their 11th appearance in the finals during the past 13 years and the Lancers were present for the first time since 1998.
The Hilltoppers posted their highest scores in floor exercise, vault and still rings.
"They knew they had to do something and they came through big time there on rings," Glenbard West coach Steve Kafka said of the Hilltoppers' final event. "We were a team that people didn't think was going to make it, we snuck in, fought hard and I'm really happy with fifth place. This was a good season."
It's also a good way for the legendary coach to finish his career, especially with 10 seniors graduating.
"I was happy to finish my career here (in Barrington)," Kafka said. "And I thank all of our seniors for working so hard and working to get back here."
The Lancers wanted a top-three finish but were still satisfied with a tie for fifth.
"I was very proud of the guys," Lancers coach Keith Matune said. "If you asked them four years ago if you'd take a fifth-place finish in the state finals they'd say absolutely. So it really is a testament to how far the program has come, how it's evolved and how our seniors and juniors made that happen."