The varsity boys gymnastics team continues to build on a tradition of discipline, leadership, and competitive success. Under the direction of head coach Sam Zeman, the program has gained recognition for transforming inexperienced freshmen into State contenders within just a few seasons.

“We are goal-oriented,” Zeman said. “[The team is] focused on the skills they need to be successful, [rather than spreading athletes too thin].”

While many clubs allow gymnasts to try a wide variety of skills, Zeman noted that those athletes sometimes realize too late that they lack the necessary skills to compete at a high level. This disciplined approach is why freshmen and sophomores with no prior experience can surpass longtime club gymnasts in two to three years, he said. 

According to Zeman, it’s all about understanding what matters most and committing to short-, medium-, and long-range goals. He added that several athletes have started gymnastics for the first time in high school and still finished top 10 in the state on at least one event.

For Zeman, a varsity gymnast must be more than talented. The goal is to develop leaders who are strong, disciplined, and committed to the team. 

 “Varsity athletes should be good leaders and good people who demonstrate physical strength and accountability every day,” Zeman said. 

In-season practices reflect that philosophy. The team begins with stick drills to perfect dismounts before warming up and rotating to event coaches. Zeman explained that gymnasts are not forced into events they dislike; many specialize in two or three. Those looking to build strength gravitate toward still rings, where, as Zeman pointed out, the work builds latissimus dorsi, biceps, and chest muscles efficiently. Others prefer the floor for the excitement of flips, while the high bar attracts thrill-seekers and pommel horse suits athletes who are disciplined but less interested in flipping.

“There is an event for everyone to feel confident in while performing their skills,” Zeman said.

Balancing academics and athletics is rarely an issue. Zeman observed that gymnasts are typically strong students because they understand the value of every second. Each high bar attempt must count before grips wear down, and he believes that focus translates directly into the classroom.

The team’s competitive resume is impressive. Zeman said the goal this season is to qualify for State for the ninth straight year. The program was the undefeated West Suburban Conference champion for six consecutive seasons and Sectional champions six of the last eight years. Zeman is especially excited about the core varsity group: Evan Ries ‘28, Patrick Raddatz ‘29,  Dante Rodriguez ‘29, Jack Michaelson ‘26, Ignacio Rodriguez ‘26, and Terrance Carr ‘26, each of whom he believes will play a major role.

Carr has embraced that responsibility. 

“My goals are to medal at the State and sectional competitions and to build on what I accomplished last year [with my sectional pommel horse title],” Carr said. “Last year, we didn’t have a strong team dynamic,” he said.

Now, he and the other upperclassmen are relearning camaraderie and fostering support. Carr described rings and pommel horse as his strongest events, but said he is working hard to improve high bar and parallel bars.

He said that building bonds has been challenging with only three upperclassmen and many underclassmen. Still, the team supports one another through constant communication and reassurance. Carr shared that his club coach, Nikko Winstead, has been a major influence, calling him a steady source of positivity amid team turnover. Ultimately, Carr said he just wants to be happy with how the season unfolds and to finish strong in what may be his final year in the sport.

For Zeman, the most rewarding moments go beyond medals. While he treasures State titles, he said the emails and letters from former gymnasts matter most. Seeing the men they become, he reflected, is the greatest victory of all. Let’s attend their sectionals at Downers North on Friday, May 8th.