Schaumburg’s clearly best in invite at Maine West
Last year, Schaumburg was on the verge of becoming one of the elite gymnastic teams in Illinois.
This year the Saxons have arrived.
Senior Brooke Shimon took first in the all-around (9.15) leading Schaumburg to an impressive victory at the Maine West Invitational with 106.45 points in Des Plaines.
Schaumburg tied a school record by hitting 143.80 two weeks ago, and the Saxons were in complete control on Tuesday night.
A young and improving Prospect team took second with 102.55, followed by Rolling Meadows (97.15), Niles North (95.65), and Fenton (94.30).
“This year we’re just looking at how we as team can get better,” said Schaumburg coach Jami Stilling. “We’re not coming into meets looking around at other teams. They have the confidence that they’re good, and we’re going to keep doing what we’ve been doing.”
Shimon has battled injuries during her first three years, including a broken left ankle to start last season.
But this season the senior is healthy and has been dominant.
Shimon took first on the floor (9.4), tied for first on the vault (9.2), added a second-place finish on the beam (9.0), and took third on the bars (9.3) to pace the Saxons.
“This year we’re coming into win,” said Shimon, “We have a mindset that we want to be the team to watch. We know we’re a much better team than previous years and we have much more confidence.”
Junior Ashley Miller is starting to hit her stride for the Saxons. She tied teammate Caitlin Barrett for first on the bars (9.05) and took second on the floor (9.35).
Sophomore Erin Barrett added a third-place finish on the beam (8.9) and took fifth on the floor (8.75).
“We’re feeding off of everybody’s energy,” said Miller. “We do best when we all hit together and we’re pushing each other. Now we know we can compete with the other teams.”
The door has opened and the Saxons have definitely entered.
Prospect continues to make progress; freshman Gianna Scala took second in the all-around (8.875) to pace the Knights on Tuesday.
Scala also took third on the floor (9.10), fourth on the beam (8.85), and fifth on the vault (9.10) and bars (8.45).
“I’m getting much more used to competing,” said Scala of her first season. “I’m feeling much more comfortable.”
Senior Christina Pekar lifted the Knights by taking first on the beam (9.05), and junior Lauren Johnson added a fifth-place finish on the beam (8.55).
“I just wanted to stay focused,” said Pekar of her beam routine. “The team is looking good and I think we’re really pushing each other.”
Rolling Meadows is also starting to click, with Lauren Cerza taking third in the all-around (8.538). The junior also tied for third on the vault (9.15) and added a fourth-place finish on the floor (8.95).
“We’ve been working hard over break and everybody is continuing to add skills,” said Cerza. “I definitely think we can keep improving as the season progresses.”
Becky Aiechele tied for third on the vault (9.15) to lead Fenton.
Sarah Polvi took fourth in the all-around (8.5) and tied for fifth on the bars (8.45) to aid the Bison attack.
Ÿ Cosmic Bowling, a National Gymnastic Team Fundraiser, will be held today at the Poplar Creek Bowl in Hoffman Estates between 3 and 5 p.m. The cost is $20 dollars per gymnast.