One gymnast challenges tradition

Emily McGuckin, freshman, does not like tradition, so she is changing LZHS’ history. She will be the first gymnast who is interested in representing the school as an independent. McGuckin, will register with IHSA to compete in high school gymnastics meets as an LZHS representative, but will train at her club gym.

“Any individual in a sport such as gymnastics, bowling, or even track can represent the school as an independent if the school does not have a team. You are able to go online and enter in the State series,” Rolando Vazquez, athletic director, said.

Because the high school does not have a gymnastics team, many gymnasts turn to cheerleading to participate in a school sport, or they continue to compete with their club and not join a school sport, McGuckin said.

“I started gymnastics when I was two and there were ‘mommy and me’ classes. I joined a team in third grade and have been on a team for six years. Most people at our school quit gymnastics and join cheer, but I want to be a high school gymnast,” McGuckin said. “My mom and I looked into representing Lake Zurich as an independent because I want to do a high school sport and continue gymnastics, not just continue with my club team. I’m hoping my decision will encourage people to stick to gymnastics instead of defaulting into cheerleading. If others know they have this opportunity, then [high school gymnastics] may grow into something bigger.”

As of right now, McGuckin is the only independent who will be training at U.S. Gymnastics Center in Lake Zurich, Julian Basler, USGTC owner and coach, said.

“When I bought the gym I wanted to make sure that kids could compete, whether that be during the club season or as an independent during the high school season,” Basler said. “I have heard that a lot of people are interested in the idea as competing as an independent, but I have no final list of participants. I just know that Emily will be training here so far.”

As an independent, McGuckin will compete in IHSA meets during the girls’ gymnastics season, which is November to February. Other than those few months, she will be competing with her club team.

“During the high school season, I will practice at USGTC with my coach,” McGuckin said. “When I go to meets, I will be by myself with my representative. I get to choose my representative, and it will be a coach. As for my uniform, I will wear my old leotard, which is black, blue, and silver. My practice hours during the high school season will be similar to my club hours right now, which is four hours for four days a week. I get to continue training with my coaches, keep a similar schedule, and compete for my high school, which is the best of both worlds for me.”

Although McGuckin will practice on her own, she will abide to the same rules every Lake Zurich athlete has to accept, Vazquez said.

“In order to compete, she will have to keep her grades up like every other athlete. Once she commits to the State level, she will not be able to compete with her club team,” Vazquez said. “Even though she does not practice and compete within the high school walls, she will have to follow the same rules.”

Looking ahead at the new experience and competition at the high school level, McGuckin said she is prepared and excited to represent her school.

“I went to the State meet two years ago to support my friend from club,” McGuckin said. “The high school level is definitely not as hard as club because there are not as many skill requirements. I think the high school competition will be manageable due to all my training. With that said, I hope to go to Sectionals and State.”

After watching McGuckin train at USGTC, Basler said she will have a successful high school season.

“She is a great gymnast and I know she will do well because I have seen her train at a high level,” Basler said. “I believe she has it in her to place at regionals, sectionals, and compete with the top gymnasts at the State meet.”