The Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School gymnastics squad would have wanted a state qualifier, but the final results from the Hinsdale sectional Thursday, Feb. 7 were satisfying. Amy Donath and Holly Richard were vying for a trip to the state meet and knew the task was a tough one.

Although neither advanced, coach Linda Linn was pleased with their efforts. "Amy had a real strong meet and that's what we really wanted. She had some problems on the (uneven) bars that were her only fault all night, but it ended up taking her out of competition for bars. It was great just to have a freshman have a good meet at sectionals."

Donath was just one-tenth of a point away from a state qualification in vault after a 9.3 placed her 12th overall and the qualifying mark was 9.4. A stellar season was completed with a 15th place floor exercise routine score of 8.975 and an uneven bars score of 8.5 for 18th place to get Donath 10th in the all-around with a 35.55. Richard's sectional trip was hindered by an injury, but it didn't mar her effort. After earning an at-large sectional bid, Richard was injured in practice working on her balance beam routine.

Just the evening before the sectional competition, Richard was doing a backward tuck and landed on her toe busting off her nail. "Holly showed a lot just by being at sectionals," praised coach Linn. "Her foot was very, very sore and she was tentative, but at least she tried. It was definitely bad timing for an injury." BBCHS can keep building for next season by the fact none of this year's group will graduate. "Everyone is set to come back next season, plus with the post-season experience we're hoping the girls will remember what they need to do and get another step further," said coach Linn.