By Editor-in-Chief Allie Pecorin

The Naperville North boys gymnastics team has been plagued with injury. The team has had a season characterized by both outstanding performances and costly inconsistencies. Going into this weekend, they weren’t quite sure where they stood.

Yet on Saturday, March 22, at the Foerch Invitational hosted at Naperville North, the boys gymnastics team proved where they should be standing – on top of the podium.

The team captured the event championship title, scoring 313.55. NNHS head coach Brad Foerch was pleased with his team’s performance.

“They did really well,” Foerch said.  “You’re never going to have a perfect meet, but it’s the best we’re going to do right now.”

The invitational, named after Foerch’s father and now in its 29th year, scores differently than other meets. Team awards are given by adding up the scores of the top three athletes on each event at the freshmen, junior varsity, and varsity levels. Foerch said this unconventional scoring system lines up with his father’s view on the sport.

“My dad always believed that all levels are important,” Foerch said. “We want to make sure the freshmen know that they are just as important.”

Though scores on all levels contributed to the Huskie victory, the varsity team’s performance made a strong impact. The varsity team scored a season high of 136.4, besting Niles West who secured second place with a 133.45.

Feroch pointed to contributions by junior Brandon Louise, junior Grant Swalwel, and senior Tommy Hodges.

Louise’s performance proved crucial for the team. The all-arounder made podium appearances on four of the six events. He captured second place in the all-around competition with a score of 46, falling short to Palatine freshmen Prakash Nigam who scored a 46.55.

Hodges also contributed at the varsity level on his two events. His 8.0 on the pommel horse was enough to earn him the championship title in the event. Hodges, who suffered fractures in his back last season, said he was happy to see success after returning from his injuries.

“It’s great, and it’s exciting,” Hodges said. “It’s cool because last year I didn’t get to come back for most of the season so I didn’t get to place in any invitationals. It’s nice to come back and to do so well.”

The lower levels also had their share of podium appearances. NNHS junior varsity and freshmen athletes were well represented on several events. Freshmen Cam Ludeke provided a standout performance, placing on several events and the all-around competition.

Senior captain Reed Kolany hopes that Saturday’s success will propel the team forward.

“It sets higher expectations for what we’re doing this season,” Kolany said.

The team will take on Wheaton Coop at home on Wednesday, March 26.