Mid-Suburban League girls gymnastics meet
Where: At Wheeling
When: Friday, 6 p.m.
Teams to watch
Fremd has once again positioned itself as one of the best - if not the best - team in the state. The two-time defending state champion is gearing up for another triumphant postseason run. The Vikings are the clear-cut favorite at the MSL meet. Senior Tori Sarantakis leads a deep, talented squad that hit a state best 150.10 on Jan. 15th. Junior Caitlin Golota, senior Sarah Torp, sophomore Alyssia Van Duch and sophomore Maegan Wochinski gives Fremd plenty of firepower. Barrington nailed a 144.45 in its last meet, and the young Fillies are looking to continue their momentum. Senior Laura Sculley has guided Barrington this season, with sophomore Lexi Marsella joining freshmen Tori Brunet and Tiffany Persels in lifting the Fillies to new heights. MSL East Division champion Prospect has also made great strides this season and hit a school-record 142.45 Saturday. Senior Emily Rossdeutcher and junior Katie Colmone have powered the Knights. A young Schaumburg team is also on the rise. Sophomores Brooke Shimon and Caitlin Barrett and freshman Ashley Miller lifted the Saxons to a season-best 141.05 Jan. 8th. It may be a rebuilding year at Palatine, but the Pirates are coming on strong. They hit 141.15 Friday. Senior Sam Saltess and freshman Marissa Mallon have powered the Pirates.
Individuals to watch
Fremd senior Tori Sarantakis picked up where Mary Burke left off and has the potential to enjoy a very special postseason.
Barrington senior Laura Sculley has definitely been the Fillies' sparkplug.
Rolling Meadows senior Jen Anderson has been on quite a roll.
Palatine senior Sam Saltess has been a guiding influence for the young Pirates.
Elk Grove senior Kim Gulik has put it all together this season.
Wheeling junior Amy Burke has not disappointed in her first season of high school gymnastics after two years of club.
Prospect senior Emily Rossdeutcher has been solid this season.
Buffalo Grove junior Linda Dunne has picked up where she left off after qualifying for state in the all-around last season.
Conant senior Kelly Hendricks won a state diving medal in the fall and is looking to add a gymnastics medal.
Schaumburg sophomore Brooke Shimon has rebounded nicely from surgery on both elbows.
Fremd junior Caitlin Golota has battled injuries, but when healthy she is one of the top MSL gymnasts.
What they're saying:
"It seems like people almost didn't believe in us since Mary (Burke) is gone, but we're kind of showing people we still have depth and talent." - Fremd's Tori Sarantakis
"Our freshmen are doing phenomenal and we're going to continue to throw new tricks, we're looking really well, I think it's going to be good." Barrington's Laura Sculley, Barrington senior.
"This last amazing meet is exactly the push we needed going into the postseason, conference is going to be tough but we can't stop." Prospect's Emily Rossdeutcher, after the Knights clinched MSL East title.
"It's big test, when I go out and see the other girls compete I want to do my best. I want to beat them that's what it comes down to." - Rolling Meadows' Jen Anderson
Postseason preview
Lake Park sectional
The Hersey regional kicks off area postseason competition Monday at 6:30 p.m. MSL East champion Prospect is the favorite in a field that includes Hersey, Buffalo Grove and Wheeling. Fremd hosts a regional Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in which the Vikings are the favorite in a field that includes Elk Grove and Hoffman Estates. The Schaumburg regional is Thursday at 6:30 p.m., with the host Saxons the favorite in a field that includes Rolling Meadows and Conant. The Palatine regional is Friday, Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m., with the host Pirates the favorite and Maine West in the field. All four regionals feed into the Lake Park sectional.
Stevenson sectional
Barrington is competing in the Lake Forest regional on Friday, Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m. The Fillies are the favorite in the four-team field.
- Michael Eaken