Carmel honors its state gymnastics champs

Carmel Catholic High School's state championship girls gymnastics team was given a hero's welcome Friday by the school and the village of Mundelein.

Three celebrations were held during three lunch periods. Athletic Director Andy Bitto was the master of ceremonies, as the team members were honored one by one. Mundelein Trustee Jim Nutschnig also said a few words.

Head coach Sarah Mikrut Doyle, who was a gymnast on Carmel's 1992-93 state champion gymnastics team, marveled at how everything has come full circle.

"To be part of Carmel's first state championship team in 1992 and then to be able to help these girls get this experience to be state champions in 2010 is amazing," she said.

Carmel's girls gymnastics record is impressive: three state titles; one second place and one third place at state; 12 trips downstate in all; six sectional titles and 12 regional titles.