Last spring marked a historic season for Evanston boys gymnastics, but now the question is: can they do it again?
The 2023-24 boys gymnastics team achieved its best IHSA state championships finish since 1967, scoring 150.7 points and securing second place overall in the state. Their remarkable performance highlighted the team’s dedication and talent, setting a new benchmark for future squads.
On an individual level, then-junior Erik Van Leer made history by winning first place on the vault, joining a select group of just nine other ETHS gymnasts to win a state event. Van Leer also placed third on both the still rings and parallel bars and fifth on the floor, making him one of the most decorated athletes of the season.
“It’s hard to repeat an exceptional season,” said gymnastics Head Coach Frank Erwin. “Our goal wasn’t to take second at state last year. [Our] goal is to always do the best we can,” he added.
This year, the team has similar ambitions. They aim to maintain their competitive edge and continue building on the success of last season.
“We’re going to try to win our conference again for the fourth consecutive year,” said Erwin.
However, advancing through the sectional will be a much bigger challenge this season.
“I don’t know if we can repeat a sectional championship, but we still have a real good chance of being one of the top 10 scores in the state, and a good chance of qualifying for state as a team again,” Erwin stated.
Despite the increased competition, Erwin remains optimistic about the team’s ability to rise to the occasion. Even with a tougher path to state, the team still holds promise.
As a senior, Van Leer has high expectations for the team. Despite losing many of the seniors who made last year’s historic run possible, the team has added talented underclassmen who have impressed both Van Leer and Coach Erwin. The infusion of new talent brings fresh energy and potential to the program.
“The team’s a little different, but some of the younger guys have kind of taken their spots, and we had some new juniors last year too,” mentioned Van Leer.
“They look promising,” said Erwin. “I’m pleased with the guys who have come out for the team and pleased with the talent that I see.”
