Girls Gymnastics: Stevenson’s score soars at regional
BY BOB GOSMAN Contributor February 2, 2012 2:22PM
Stevenson freshman Elizabeth Shank heads to tonight's Niles North Sectional after placing second in the all-around at last week's regional. | Brian O'Mahoney~for Sun-Times Media
Updated: March 10, 2012 8:10AM
Stevenson girls gymnastics coach Judy Harwood knew the Patriots had a high score in them.
She just didn’t anticipate it would be that high — as in a season-high score of 149.125 in its own IHSA regional on Feb. 1.
“It was a total surprise,” Harwood said. “I thought that score was amazing.”
Stevenson’s previous best score this season was 147.8. Warren (138.6) was a distant second in the Stevenson Regional.
“There’s a different level of judging at regionals and sectionals,” Harwood said. “I thought our score would go down, not up.”
So how did the Patriots do it?
“We really tried to focus on being consistent all week,” said senior Ali Castriano. “We wanted to hit all our routines, and that’s what we did.”
Freshman Elizabeth Shank was a major catalyst for the Patriots. She scored a season-best 37.05 in all-around, good for second place behind Castriano (38.125).
“Every time I ask if (Shank) can do something, she does it,” Harwood said. “You can see her potential every time she practices. She has the chance to be a fabulous high school gymnast.”
Shank was a model of consistency in every event. She finished third on floor exercise (9.45), on beam (9.4) and on bars (9.175). Shank placed fifth on vault (9.1).
“We talk about how confident she is with her routines,” Castriano said. “She’s one of the hardest workers, and she just go out and does everything she’s asked to do.”
Shank isn’t the only talented freshman on the roster. Alyssa Weisberg won on beam (9.5). She tied for second on vault (9.325) and finished fifth on floor (8.95).
“She’s such a powerful gymnast,” Harwood said. “She has a lot of energy and strength, and it shows in all her routines.”
Added Castriano: “We were really surprised and happy to get two such great freshmen.”
Good health: Harwood was thrilled to see Castriano compete without pain. She placed first on floor (9.675) and on vault (9.6), tied for first on bars (9.4), and was second on beam (9.45).
“It’s such a pleasure to see her work hard in practice and not have to grimace,” Harwood said. “She kept going for four years and worked through a lot of pain. She’s my hero.”
Castriano’s floor routine was a particular highlight.
“I think she’s so graceful that the judges forget to write down deductions; they’re so busy watching her,” Harwood joked. “She looks like a ballerina when she dances.”
Welcome back: The Patriots welcomed back senior Therese Wojton from an ankle injury. She scored a 9.2 on beam.
“She deserved to have the chance to compete,” Harwood said. “She really wanted to help us out in the state series, and I’m proud of the way she pulled through.”
Key contributors: Becca Feltman-Frank, who had been battling a toe injury, tied for first on bars (9.4) and tied for second on vault (9.325).
“She’s only been able to practice about every third day,” Harwood said. “She (found) a way through the pain.”
Riley Trebilco was fourth on beam (9.35) and fourth on floor (9.375).
“She’s making a real strong contribution,” Harwood said. “We wouldn’t be where we are without her.”
On the schedule: The Patriots will compete in the Niles North Sectional tonight.
“Our emphasis in practice is on staying focused and keeping our routines clean,” Harwood said. “The girls worked so hard in the middle of the season and they’ve kept moving forward. It’s paying off for them.”
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