Scouting Fox Valley area girls gymnastics teams

Elgin/Larkin co-op

Coach: Robert Todd (202-168, 30th season)

Last season: 4-7, 0-3

Top gymnasts: Senior: Brittany Heine (all-around); Sophomores: Andrea Vercelli (all-around), Brady Kirkland (all-around)

Outlook: Led by 28-year veteran coach Robert Todd, the Elgin-Larkin co-op will enter the season with a young team, but will bring some experience to the gymnasium. Sophomore Andrea Vercelli returns after qualifying for last year's sectional as a freshman in both the all-around and the uneven bars. The Royals also welcomes back senior Brittany Heine, who returns after taking a year off which will help fill the void created by the graduation of Sara Severson. "We are young and we don't have much depth, but we are definitely looking to improve with each meet," said Todd. Elgin-Larkin will open the season at the Rolling Meadows Invitational on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and will later host its own invitational on Saturday, January 5.

South Elgin/Bartlett co-op

Coach: Kathy Blaheta (1st season)

Last season: N/A 1st season of program

Top gymnasts: Junior: Kristen Stejskal; Sophomores: Kristell Westbrook, Emily Potts, Jennifer McGinnis, Caitlin Grega, Christine Bailye; Freshman: Stephanie O'Connell

Outlook: With a brand new program, the possibilities are endless for the South Elgin/Bartlett girls gymnastics co-op. While first-year coach Kathy Blaheta and assistant Josh Levin aren't quite sure what to expect, they are anxious to find out. "I hope to have a team eager to improve and adapt to high school competition," said Blaheta. "Our greatest strength will be our enthusiasm." According to Blaheta, a lot of work went into getting a team together so everybody involved is equally excited in seeing the finished product in action. "Everybody is just happy and excited that our time is finally here," Blaheta said. "I think the season will show new talent. Many seniors graduated last year, and I think new leaders will now emerge."

Prairie Ridge

Coach: Ray Gradecki

Top gymnasts: Junior: Mary Grier; Freshman: Jenny Covers

Outlook: Both Prairie Ridge students, Mary Grier and Jenny Covers will compete in the upcoming season as individuals. Despite co-oping with Crystal Lake South, Crystal Lake Central and Cary-Grove, Grier and Covers were the lone gymnasts interested in competing this year and will do so whenever possible.