Buffalo Grove's Dunne grabs the spotlight
It was only fitting that all eyes were focused on Buffalo Grove's Linda Dunne on her floor routine in the final performance of the night.
The Bison senior will be getting plenty of attention after taking second in the all-around in last season Mid-Suburban League meet and placing 13th at state in the all-around.
Dunne didn't disappoint. The senior took first in the all-around with a 37.25, leading host Buffalo Grove to first at place on senior night at the MSL East triangular meet with 127.65 points.
Amy Burke took second in the all around (36.2), leading Wheeling (119.15 points) to second place, followed by Elk Grove (116.8).
Dunne is thriving quite well with the extra pressure and proved it with Thursday night's performance.
"If anything it helps push me more," said Dunne who finished sixth at state on the beam last season. "It makes me want to do better. I wouldn't say I'm content with where I'm at, but I'm headed in the right direction."
And all signs are pointing up as the senior took first on the vault (9.6), bars (9.5), and beam (9.1), and tied Burke for first on the floor (9.05).
"She had a great all around meet tonight," added BG coach Stephanie Schrader of her senior star. "She's one of the top ones coming in, and so far she's living up to it."
Katie Strack aided the Bison charge by taking third on the floor (8.05) and also finishing in a four-way tie for third with teammate Christie Wellbank on the vault (8.7).
Burke will also be receiving her share of attention this season. Last year was her first year of high school competition after participating in club gymnastics the previous two years.
The Wheeling senior has adjusted well, tying for first on floor (9.05), and finishing second on vault (9.4), bars (9.0), and beam (8.75) on Thursday.
"Last year was more or less like adjusting," said Burke who just missed qualifying for state on the vault. "This year I have kind of seen what everyone else is doing and where I need to be."
"She is focused and determined - she wants to get to state," added Wheeling coach Bridget Erickson. "She is a great leader and I think the whole team feeds off her."
Emily Hennessy is an up and coming star for Elk Grove. The junior paced the Grenadiers on Thursday by taking third on the beam (7.95) and bars (8.6), also finishing in a four-way tie for third with teammate Christine Baldovin on the vault (8.7).
"She is more confident and has gained a couple more skills," said Elk Grove coach Heather DeCook of Hennessy, who finished third in the all-around (33.1). "She is on her way to a few more skills, which is only going to help."