Boys gymnastics: Frank leads Schaumburg past Conant, Barrington

It has been nearly two years since Schaumburg's Nathan Frank competed in a boys gymnastics meet.

And although he wasn't as sharp as he was when he was a sophomore Frank, who is now a senior, showed that he still has plenty of skills.

Frank scored a 42.70 to help lead Schaumburg to a win Tuesday night at a triangular meet with Conant and host Barrington. It was the opening meet of the season for all three teams, who just began practice a few weeks ago.

"It was a little but rough, but it felt pretty good," said Frank. "This is really the first time I have been on equipment since COVID started. I was little disappointed in my score. But it just has been a few weeks, so I know I will do better."

Schaumburg coach Eric Harima said that it has been an unusual process as teams prepare for a shortened season that will culminate with a state final in May.

"It has been three weeks of trying to get these kids from sitting on the couch for a straight year," Harima said. "To having them do flips and stuff is not an easy thing. We are trying to start out slow and nor push too fast because we don't want any injuries."

The team and individual scores truly reflected the long layoff by the competitors.

"Guys are struggling a little bit," said veteran Conant coach Paul Kim. "The guys are barely getting into shape now. It is tough now, but the skill level will slowly increase. But I was still happy with how my team did tonight."

Schaumburg scored a 117.00 to win the triangular. Conant was next with a 104.50 while Barrington scored a 91.90.

Frank won three events for the Saxons. He had the top score on the floor (8.60), the pommel horse (6.50) and the high bar (7.50). He got help from Anthony Lovekamp and Zander Guzy, who both competed in all six events while Tommy Turnquist and Kyle Storm also had their scores count.

Michael Haworth led Conant by scoring a 36.00 in the all-around. Markus Alvaro, Xavier Vasquez and Jaiden Delimba also did well for the Cougars.

Barrington's Krish Patel was competing in his first high school varsity meet. The freshman, who has been working out at his club, stepped in quite nicely to win the all-around with a 43.30.

"It was a lot of fun compared to club gymnastics,," said Patel, who won the rings (7.50), the vault (8.50) and bars (7.70).

"I felt comfortable out there. It is fun being out there with them."

Sam Douros, James Thome and Diego Briseno also competed well for the Broncos.