Glenbard N. wants a second chance

During February's IHSA state gymnastics finals, the most successful girls gymnastics Glenbard North team in more than 20 years suddenly found itself unsuccessful.

Among the nine-team field, the Panthers had slip-ups and mistakes especially on bars and beam, where they counted the lowest scores among the field. By the time Friday night had concluded, the Panthers found themselves in ninth place with a score of 143.350.

This wasn't the performance the Panthers had come to expect of themselves. Far from it, actually. During a season in which they had the upper hand all season -- dominating teams in the DuPage Valley Conference, winning a bunch of weekend invitationals and taking top honors in the DVC meet, Glenbard North regional and Oswego sectional -- the Panthers' hopes of challenging for their first state championship since 1983 were over.

"That was the worst meet we had all season and I think that's what hurt the most," coach Edsel Clark said. "There was some truth to us just being excited to be there, and while there were no guarantees, we were hoping for more than just being there."

Nerves and being the newcomer seemingly caught up with the Panthers.

"It was so nerve-wracking because it was the first time we went up against teams that were better than us and always there," senior Kristin Nordquist said. "It was so scary, but I think if we go back it won't be as scary because we know we've been there before."

Now, with the 2007-2008 season just under way, the Panthers are aiming for a repeat performance in the regular season, another state bid and a second chance of performing on the state's biggest stage next February to erase memories from last year's struggles.

Starting fresh

They have a great shot at another outstanding season. Nearly all of the key gymnasts have returned this year, the girls who battled injuries a season ago are now healthy, and a transfer and an incoming freshman have bolstered the roster.

"We're hoping to get back to state and that it's different this year, in a good way," senior Meghan Court said. "Hopefully, we can take the experience we have under our belt and be more comfortable and less nervous than last year."

Junior Marissa Bosco, who was the floor exercise state champion a year ago, is the top returning gymnast for the Panthers. She also finished in the top 10 in the all-around at state last February.

Bosco didn't compete as a freshman when she opted to remain with her gymnastics club. Earlier this year she toyed with the idea of going back to her club and quitting the high school team but ultimately chose to remain with the Panthers.

"I saw how club would be and decided to come back," she said. "I took some time off but still worked, but it was less hours and still very good."

One of the biggest strengths of the Panthers again this season is that they expect three all-around scores on a consistent basis from Bosco, Court and sophomore Amber Fox.

Court was a state qualifier in all-around and three individual events last year and is putting the finish touches on a four-year career at Glenbard North.

"We're all real excited about this year," she said. "It means a lot to me and Kristin (Nordquist). We want to do our best and be good captains for the team and motivate everyone."

Fox was a big-time contributor as a freshman last year and is expected to be even better this winter.

"Amber has a lot of new skills, so that's definitely going to help us," Bosco said. "I think we can be as good as last year or get even better."

It might be simple decision for Clark to have three of his gymnasts compete in the all-around on a consistent basis, but he has numerous options in finalizing the lineup. Multiple variations are likely to be seen throughout the winter as the Panthers try to keep their gymnasts at their best while also determining what would be the best possible scoring team.

Clark has four outstanding gymnasts to utilize. Nordquist brings the most high school experience. She's worked very hard in the off-season and the sprained ligaments in her ankle have finally healed. She's also a team captain and this is her fourth year on the team.

"I never got to fully compete last year, only doing beam, but I worked hard this summer and am back full force," Nordquist said. "I'm so excited this year because I won't be doing gymnastics in college. We have such a great team and to be back and to be healthy in my last year, it's really exciting."

The other returnee is junior Amy Wolf. She had some injuries last year, but she's at full strength and very capable and expected to contribute.

The final two gymnasts are newcomers. Christina Rini is only a freshman but has the ability to make great contributions immediately, and Jennifer Dardanes is a junior who transferred from Naperville Central. The name Dardanes should be familiar because her sister Lauren had something to do with the Redhawks' recent run of five straight state appearances.

"I expect Bosco, Court and Fox to be all-arounders all the time and the other spots will be spread among the girls," Clark said. "There's going to be some hard decisions to make at times, but we'll just change depending on the meet because we've got several (capable gymnasts) that we can put in each event."

Truly a team effort

Don't expect there to be any hard feelings among the gymnasts, many of whom likely would compete in the all-around for other area high school teams. This core of seven gymnasts, which while mixed -- two seniors, three juniors, one sophomore, one freshman -- has great camaraderie and wants to win as a team.

"We're all best friends and have known each other since we were 4 years old," Nordquist said. "It's just good to have a team full of people you like."

And while self-confidence, determination and courage are key to the Panthers' success, remaining loose and having a good time are also imperative.

"We really have a relaxed team," Court said. "We have fun during warmups and goof around all the time. Coach Clark does a great job of keeping us relaxed and motivated at the same time. We work hard but we have a lot of fun too."

Look for plenty of fun, smiles and laughter from the Panthers again this season, as well as a lot of wins during the week, weekends and perhaps a big finish in Palatine in February.