Wheaton co-op places second at state
Wheaton co-op did everything it could to try to upset Lincoln-Way co-op for the IHSA boys gymnastics state title on Friday at Lincoln-Way East in Frankfort.
But even a season-high score of 161.250 wasn’t enough as Lincoln-Way co-op ended a three-year streak of being the runner-up, taking home the team championship with a 163.
“As coaches we couldn’t ask for more from our kids,” Wheaton co-op coach Chad Downie said. “They did an outstanding job. I’m so proud of their work today.”
Senior Darren Fill finished second in the all-around, edged barely by Lincoln-Way co-op’s Ajani Cargle, 55.45 to 55.3. Fellow senior Mike Brackmann, who missed the state meet last May with appendicitis, was seventh in the all-around with a 53.150.
“It was an awesome day,” Brackmann said. “Basically, we knew going into this that it was going to be a battle and we had to try as hard as we can.
“It came down to who wanted it more and it was Lincoln-Way’s day. We’re OK with that. We had a great meet and are very happy with our season high. It’s the highest score I’ve ever had on any of my teams, so I’m very happy.”
Downers Grove North has hardware for the first time in program history. It won third place with a 156.65.
“On the ride here coach wanted to sit alone and said, ‘I’m keeping this spot for the trophy’, so we expected it,” Downers Grove North junior Luke Wychocki said. “We came so close beginning when I was a freshman (2009) so it’s great to be a part of such a huge accomplishment.”
Luke Schubert had the top day for the Trojans, taking fourth in the all-around with a 53.45.
Naperville North won the battle for fourth place and did so convincingly with a 152.65. Palatine was fifth with a 149.55.
“We put in a lot of work in the off-season and our goal all season was to get to state,” Naperville North senior Billy Suta said. “We were a little nervous at the beginning, but high bar boosted our confidence and we had the mindset to just hit and do our best.”
Suta led the Huskies, taking sixth in the all-around with a 53.25 while Josh Soto added a 51.3.
Glenbard North’s Ryan Kennedy took fifth in the all-around with a 53.35.
West Aurora junior Doug Sullivan made a fine impression during his return to the state finals and should be one of the top returning all-arounders next spring. He placed eighth with a 52.9.
“It felt great today and I did better than I expected,” he said. “(Still) rings didn’t go as well as I wanted, but other than that I felt great.”
Neuqua Valley’s Andrew Fairbanks placed 30th in the all-around with a 41.25.