Gallery • 8 Photos

Eva Fahrenkrog

Senior Josh King sticks his landing and holds a handstand, earning him an 8.30 on the floor exercise for the varsity team.

On Saturday, March 11, in a meet hosted by LHS in the gymnastics gym, the boys gymnastics team came up just short against the Naperville Central Redhawks. The varsity team lost to their opponents 118.25 to 108.8. (JV won 63.5 to 54.8.) 

Several of the players saw the defeat as less of a loss and more of an opportunity to grow.

“I, unfortunately, today tried a new skill on the high bar and landed flat on my butt,” recalled senior Joshua Jenkinson, who performed in all of the events including floor exercise, pommel horse, still rings, vault, parallel bars and horizontal bar. “Other than that, the boys really brought it today and I’m proud of everyone.”

Many of the athletes shared the senior’s positivity and pride.

“I feel like I did my best overall and tried to keep perfect form,” explained senior Josh King, who also competed in all of the events. “Hopefully, I’ll learn some new tricks for next time.”

“I like to see all the time that we put into practice and working out during the meets,” explained senior Caleb Grinter. “We’re just gonna keep moving forward to see what we can improve on.”

The team also worked hard on their mental toughness, and were able to overcome their blocks.

“I felt a little nervous, but I was like ‘forget it,’ and I just did it anyway,” explained senior Jamil Myrick, who performed on the floor exercise and parallel bars, “and it worked out.”

The team remained encouraged after the meet, owing to their bond.

“It’s awesome,” senior Cade Farmer explained. “I mean, we all hang out outside and go get food after practice. It’s just a fantastic group of people.”