Herchenbach leads Libertyville by example

Leah Herchenbach has learned a lot over the last couple of years when it comes to dealing with fear.

And that's helped send her into an area reserved for the brave at heart as the Libertyville senior has become on the of the state's elite gymnasts.

Herchenbach has continued to work on new skills and even chalked up a career best all-around score of 37.45 last week in a Lake Forest dual meet.

Those new tricks they remain difficult.

“The first one is the hardest, and you've got to get over it,” Herchenbach said. “After that it's just doing numbers and feeling comfortable. There's a lot of fear out there.

“I feel gymnastics has a lot to do with being strong mentally. There's a lot to do physically, but there's also a lot of getting over the mental part. It's difficult, but I'm getting there.”

Herchenbach won all four events and the all-around on Wednesday night as Libertyville got past visiting Mundelein 138.2-123.5 in a North Suburban Conference dual.

“What (Herchenbach) is doing this year, it's much more difficult then her last three years,” Libertyville coach John Taylor said. “(Herchenbach) has stepped up in the gym and is throwing new tricks. Overall, she's become a leader. She's got to show the other girls you can't be afraid any more and show it in practice, where everything counts for the meets.”

Herchenbach earned top honors on floor (9.5), vault (9.25) and beam (9), tied on bars with teammate Jenna Dunsing (8.15) and won the all-around (35.9).

“I felt more confident on the floor than the other events,” Herchenbach said. “Everything felt like it was all there and I was having fun with it.”

The Wildcats' Rachel Metcalf picked up seconds in the all-around (34.85), vault (9.15), and tied with Mundelein's Lisa Wajswol on beam (8.65). Libertyville's Mariah Lee tied for third on beam with Mundelein's Maya Nieber (8.10).

Wajswol danced her way to a 9.35 on floor, which was good for second.

“My dance factor was the best parts on both the floor and the beam,” said Wajswol, a junior. “Also, being a cheerleader helps out with jumping and dancing.”

Wajswol has added some spark to the Mustangs' girls gymnastic team and her talents are already showing.

“(Wajswol) is a talented gymnast,” Mundelein coach Nancy Toland said. “She waited a couple of years before coming out for the team. But now we've got her for two years and we expect good things from her.”