High School Sports Spotlight
December 9, 2012 5:34PM
Kaitlin Lee, of Lockport
Article Extras
Updated: January 11, 2013 6:12AM
Kaitlin Lee
Jr., Lockport, Gymnastics
Lee credits teammate Athanasia Pappas for coaxing her into the sport of gymnastics when she was 8.
Nearly a decade later, the two are hoping to make an impact at the state tournament in February.
Lee, Pappas and sophomore Kacie Kenney enter meets as individuals. Lee said the sport is demanding and helps keep athletes focused.
“It teaches you to have determination and it gives you a good work ethic,” Lee said.
Jeff Vorva
Josh Ruettiger
Sr., Wrestling,
Lincoln-Way West
For Ruettiger, a returning regional champion and state qualifier, staying on the attack is the foundation for success.
“My offense is my best defense,” he said. “I try to stay aggressive and control the pace of my matches.”
On Dec. 1, the 152-pounder won his bracket and helped West win the 12-team Fenton Invitational title. Ruettiger also plays football and baseball for the Warriors.
Logan Malloy
Jacob Beaudin
Junior, Swimming,
Morris co-op
Beaudin is a Minooka High School student who competes on the Morris co-op because Minooka doesn’t have a team.
“I love swimming because there’s always room to improve,’’ he said. “You can always get faster, and hard work always pays off.”
Beaudin, who got involved in the sport because he “just wanted something to do,’’ swims the 50- and 100-yard freestyles. “I plan on dropping my time this year and hopefully placing better in the conference,’’ he said.
Tim Tierney
Seth Gajdorus
Sr., Bowling,
Lincoln-Way Central
Gajdorus is in his fourth season on the varsity, and hopes the experience will pay off. “It’s really nice having all that time on varsity,” he said. “It helps a great deal for me personally, and being able to help the other kids and everything is nice, too.”
Gajdorus, who had a personal-best 277 in practice last month, expects the Knights to be improved.
“We just need to work on our consistency and stay positive the entire year,” he said.
Steve Millar
