Girls gymnastics: McGuckin, LZ keep their gym dream alive and well
As a freshman three years ago, gymnast Emily McGuckin wanted to fulfill a dream for Lake Zurich and herself.
She had competed as an individual in the IHSA state series her freshman and sophomore years and wanted to have a team compete with her along the way. Last year, she had to sit out because she had torn her ACL in her left knee.
She kept busy, though. With the help of her mom, Leslie, and others, they were able to form a team for the first time in 18 years.
"Honestly, having the support of everyone and them being there for you is something," McGuckin said. "Being an independent is kind of unfortunate because it doesn't give you that team feeling in a sport. I had looked and looked and begged people. My mom helped me a lot along with the athletic director (Andy Lambert) and other coaches so much.
"This has been a dream of mine," she added. "I always wanted to be on a team. I was watching some of my older friends on a team at another high school. I just wanted the same thing at Lake Zurich back when I was a freshman."
Lake Zurich competed Thursday night at Libertyville and produced its season-best score, 134.55, which was behind Mundelein's 139 and ahead of host Libertyville 125.55 in the North Suburban Conference meet.
Joanna Topa took the top spot in the all-around (36.7), chalked up the best bar routine (8.55) and was second on floor (9.2).
"This team is getting it together every day with a lot of work in the gym," Lake Zurich coach Chelsie Seplowin said. "We say good gymnastics is contagious and bad gymnastics is contagious. We came in here with energy and wanted to encourage one another."
Mundelein also posted its best score. The Mustangs had a strong effort on beam, posting a 36. They were led by Katie Miller's 9.1 and Elle Mishler's 9.0. The Mustangs went 1-2-3 on vault with Emma Hallin (9.4), Audrey Kafka (9.2) and Amanda Muench and Mishler (9.0). Mishler earned top honors on the beam (9.2), while Kafka was first on floor (9.2).
"Our potential is very good," Mundelein coach Jesse Piland said. "We absolutely had no falls on beam. Good teams can tumble or vault. Great teams can do beams and bars. We should be in the 140's."