Carmel high wins state gymnastics championship
For the third time in Carmel Catholic High School's history, the girls' gymnastics team recently won the 2009-2010 IHSA Girls' Gymnastics State Championship. The team, coached by Sarah Mikrut-Doyle, scored 147.25, beating Lyons Township by .475 points to claim the state's top title.
"This entire experience is still so surreal! Our team knew this was possible at the beginning of the season and they completely dedicated themselves to the fulfillment of this goal. These eight girls made it their mission to win a state championship and they did everything necessary to get that done. I could not be more proud of this group, not only for what they achieved at state, but how they carried themselves like champions throughout the entire season. No one deserves this honor more. Now they have left their mark on Carmel's history," Mikrut-Doyle said.
Mikrut-Doyle was a member of the previous two state championship teams, in 1991-1992 and 1992-1993. Now she has coached her own team to earn top state honors.
Members of the championship team include: seniors and team captains Amber Mirski and Lauren Pytel; juniors Lauren Bowles and Daniella Clement; sophomores Kristin Mirski and Jennifer Zeller; and freshmen Sarah Cohen-Smith and Kari Osowski.
Individual winners at the championship meet included Amber Mirski, 2nd place on the Uneven Parallel Bars with a 9.525; and Kristin Mirski, 3rd place on Floor Exercise with a 9.5, 4th place on the Balance Beam with a 9.4, and 5th place in the All-Around competition with a 37.550.
"State championships are hard to win and it takes great determination and sacrifice. Our gymnasts never strayed from their quest and their journey will be relived by all future gymnastic teams at Carmel Catholic," said Andy Bitto, Carmel Catholic athletic director and head football coach.
The team's stellar season included winning the IHSA regional championship for the 12th time in Carmel's history and the IHSA sectional championship for the 6th time in Carmel's history.
"I applaud these young athletes and their coach, Sarah Mikrut, who have worked diligently and consistently to achieve this championship," said Principal Lynne Strutzel. "They have won not only a trophy, but also the admiration of the Carmel community who has witnessed firsthand their dedication to excellence. They are models to us of teamwork and determination. Bravo!"