Boys gymnastics/Scouting Cook County sectionals
By Dick Quagliano
Daily Herald Correspondent
Scouting boys gymnastics sectionals
What: Five sectionals beginning Wednesday night. Area teams are in three of these sectionals.
What you need to know: Sectional team champion and next three at-large scores advance to the team championship on May 11 at Lincoln-Way East in Frankfort. The top five gymnasts in each event, including all-around and the next 12 at- large scores, will advance to the individual finals May 11-12.
at Wheaton Warrenville South
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Outlook: Wheaton Warrenville co-op is the clear cut favorite to capture the sectional title here. Area representatives Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg will be competing and should figure in the top five of the seven teams competing. Hoffman has been on a roll this year with new coach and MSL West coach of the year Ryan Brown. The Hawks, who are hoping to top the 140 mark, are looking to qualify both Jake and Kyle Santiago on multiple events. Neo Fernandez could have a shot at qualifying on the vault while Josh Parado could challenge on the pommel horse. Schaumburg is looking for strong performances from all-arounders Chris Stehlin and James McDougall but will be without Matt Sigler (torn meniscus).
at Palatine
When: 2 p.m. Saturday
Outlook: Here is where most of the Mid-Suburban League teams will compete. Palatine is seeking to qualify for state for the fifth time in the last six years. The Pirates, who broke the 150 barrier last Friday at the MSL meet, should be challenged by Mundelein. Fremd and Buffalo Grove also have a shot of qualifying to state as an at-large team. Palatine is led by Jonah Hinz, who is the favorite to win the all-around here. The Pirates will also look to Matt Lee, Mike Jankovec, Lucas Price and Austin Hoening. Fremd has been on the rise of late led by Bobby Wongkamalasai, who won the MSL vault and floor titles. C.J. Patton, who had a 9.70 on the pommel horse two weeks ago, and Elliot Lam will be keys to that at-large goal. Buffalo Grove is coming off its best performance of the season in the MSL meet where the Bison scored a 140.45. David Kavalechik, who was second in the all-around in the MSL meet, and Nick Balko pave the way for the Bison. Julian Vasquez, who is now healthy, will also be a factor. Hersey will again be strong on the floor and vault with David Jackowski, Tommy Reynolds, Jordan Graff and Matt Korff looking to qualify. Barrington looks to Nolan Presmyk on the floor in the hopes of having the senior qualify.
at Glenbard West
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Outlook: Glenbard West and talented freshman all-arounder Alex Diab should come out on top here. But Conant is lurking and needs a healthy Joey Mauk to make its third trip to the finals in the last four years. Mauk, who competed sparingly last week at the MSL meet with a bad shoulder, could return to compete in all six events to give his team a lift. Conant will also look to Brian Reedy, Joshua Hoppe, Brandon Metcalf, Phillip Schorsch and Nick Overby. Prospect’s Chris Klein and Ringo Larock could qualify on parallel bars while Tim Pappas could make it on the still rings. Rolling Meadows’ Matt Crigler will look to shed the crutches he was on at the MSL meet and make some noise.