Mundelein's Kehr comes through, wins parallel bars

McKenzie Kehr had a painful memory from a year ago, one that spoiled her chance at a spot in the state meet.

The Mundelein senior wasn't going to let history repeat in Monday night's Mundelein girls gymnastics sectional.

So, Kehr, as the final performer on the uneven parallel bars, chalked up the best routine of the meet, a 9.45 that qualified her to the state meet at Palatine on Feb. 20.

"I really didn't want a repeat of last year," Kehr said. "I just gave it my all. I actually tore my fingernail off in the middle of it and kind of stopped. This time, I was luckier. I was just pumped up with the team and wanted to make it there (to state), with the team."

Kehr was the runner-up in the all-around at 37.325 in addition to taking second on vault (9.55) and fifth on beam (8.925).

As a team, Mundelein will have to wait and see if it will quality to state with an at-large berth, as the Mustangs finished behind sectional champion Glenbrook South (142.625). Mundelein (141.325) was second and Carmel Catholic third (141.125). New Trier and Warren tied for fourth (139.25) and Glenbrook North was sixth (139.075)

"The girls' performances were nothing short of what they could be," said Mundelein coach Nancy Toland, who's trying to get a team to state for the first time in what will be the last year of her head-coaching career. "I thought they hit in every single event. Maybe there is a shot for the girls - we're just now sitting in a spot, waiting."

Carmel's also in limbo as a team until the fourth and final sectional is completed Thursday at Lake Park.

"There's always an at-large hope to get there," Carmel Catholic coach Nicole Stroup said. "We had our best bar day all season. They did well on floor and vault. Then it always comes down to the dreaded beam. "

Emily Basara of Warren won the all-around with a 37.475. She also picked up top honors on vault (9.7) and tied with Sam Lococo of Carmel Catholic on floor exercise (9.65) in addition to taking third on beam. Warren's Teagon Albert landed the fifth spot on floor (9.45)

"There was a lot more pressure, because there was a lot more teams and more people," said Basara, who was bothered a bit by sore ankles coming into the meet. "So you add more pressure to do the best of your ability and qualify for state. I'm resting my ankles a bit, hoping they will be ready for state."

Lococo placed third in the all-around (37.0) and had the top spot on floor, second on bars (9.35) and third on vault (9.5).

"Floor was my best event," Lococo said. "I can tumble and I can get the pop on my landings. The dance was easier with the bouncy floor."

Stevenson was led by Elizabeth Shank, who finished fifth in the all-around (36.625). She also chalked up third on the bars (9.35).