By Bobby Narang –
Neuqua Valley High School freshman Michael Baren harkened back on his vast experience in club gymnastics to navigate his first Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State meet appearance last weekend at Hoffman Estates High School.
After competing in club gymnastics since he was five years old, Baren elected to compete for Neuqua Valley’s team this Spring.
The problem was Neuqua Valley did not field a team, but the Wildcats’ recent history at State was a good sign for the newcomer. In 2005, Wes Diveney won the State championship in the still rings. Last Spring, Eric Mitchell notched the State championship on pommel horse for the Wildcats.
Baren was the lone Neuqua Valley competitor at the State meet this year, and it was only his third meet of the season.
“I didn’t know what to expect this year or at State,” Baren said. “I was just hoping to do my best and compete.”
Baren certainly did compete, and do his best.
He finished in second place in the vault with 9.45 and claimed fifth place in the pommel horse with 9.2 in Saturday’s individual finals. During Friday’s all-around competition, Baren just missed earning a medal with a seventh-place finish with, 53.250. “I’m very happy with how I did,” Baren said. “It was a great experience, all the (competitors) were great and I loved the atmosphere. I can’t wait to come back next year and see what I can do.”
He collected seventh place on parallel bars with 9.2; ninth on still rings with 8.45, and 12th on floor exercise with 9.15. Overall, Deerfield won the State team championship with 159.8000, and nudged out Glenbard West, 158.4000, and Lyons, 156.5500. Wheaton Warrenville South was in fourth place with 156.1000. Glenbard West sophomore Alexander Demeris won the high bar State championship. Adam Sousa of Villa Park and Kevin Connors of Highland Park were tied for first place on all-around with 55.6000 each.
Neuqua Valley head coach Dave Masciola said Baren overcame inexperience dealing with high school rules and regulations at State, plus the aspect of mingling with fellow competitors.
“I’m very proud of Michael,” he said. “As a freshman never competing in IHSA, he had to adapt to the different rules and competition style. Plus, I don’t think he has ever done three competitions in one weekend. It’s very taxing, both physically and mentally, and he handled it fantastically.
“I think Michael has a very bright future ahead of him. He’s only a freshman. He’s very talented, has a solid base of skills, and is very motivated to get better. I think he’s only going to get bigger and stronger. He already has elite skills on every event and is a solid competitor. The sky’s the limit for him and he has the potential to be a multi-year all around champ.”
