By Maggie Devereux
Executive Sports Editor
Senior Jim Brault had one of his best horizontal bar routines as the boy’s gymnastics team competed in the sectional meet at Wheaton North Wednesday. Brault fourth in that event, automatically qualifying him for the state meet next weekend.
“It was awesome,” Brault said. “I stuck my dismount. I knew right there that was it. I knew I made it.”
Brault admits that the horizontal bar is his favorite routine, so the qualification felt like icing on the cake. But Brault also has a chance to qualify in the horse and parallel bar events. Brault and his teammates will know if they qualified once their sectional score is compared to other sectionals.
Coach Pat Kivland was proud of the entire team’s performance. After losing to Rolling Meadows earlier this year, they beat them Wednesday and were close to beating division champions Elk Grove.
“Could we have done better? Yes. But the guys did a good job.” Kivland said.
For Brault, the upcoming week is about practicing his horizontal bar rountine, in addition to preparing for the chance of qualifying as an all-around. After state, he will represent Illinois on the National team at the all-star meet in Texas. Right now though, his main focus is on the horizontal bar.
“I have a chance to be top 10,” Brault said. “That has been my ultimate goal since Freshman year.”