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Sports

LTHS Spring Sports Part V: Boys Gymnastics, Girls Badminton

A bonus edition to our early-season coverage with the two sports that weren't in our original series.

This is the bonus edition of a series previewing spring sports at Lyons Township and covering teams' early progress. For Part I, go . For Part II, go . For Part III, go . For Part IV, go . For our separate preview of the baseball team, go .

Boys Gymnastics—With the Lyons Township girls gymnastics team falling less than a single point short of a 2009-10 state title, the boys squad has a lot to live up to.

After beginning the 2010-11 regular season with a 1-4 record, the team is undeniably serious experiencing growing pains, partially due to senior graduations losses in as Kyle Asperger and Andrew Maragos.

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“We don't understand what it takes to be excellent in the sport yet,” varsity head coach Kenneth Su said. “[Our biggest obstacle] is the team underestimating their talents and what they can accomplish if they work hard in all facets of training.”

Despite experiencing a few rough outings, Su expressed hope in numerous positives displayed by the squad.

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“We have been developing many new skills and there are signs of team unity,” Su said.

The squad next matches up against conference rival York away from home at 6 p.m.

Girls Badminton—While the program often flies under the radar, Lyons Township’s girls badminton team is no fluke on the court. With the 2010 squad advancing to state as a team—which includes two doubles teams and two singles players—the 2011 group has much to live up to.

“Last year was the first year in LT badminton history that we qualified a whole state team,” standout senior player Natalie Spitzer said. “The teams goals this year are to place high in conference, but of course, we want to meet our standard from last season and hopefully to do some damage if we get [to state] in May.”

Lyons currently stands at 2-0 in the West Suburban Silver Conference and already has a 2011 Hersey Tournament victory under its belt.

Along with Spitzer, top contributors include seniors Mia Haberkorn, Lindsay Purpura and Tori Siegel. Yet in a team chalk full of a talent, Spitzer attributed the squad’s strong performance and potential to team chemistry.

“Our biggest strength as a team is the support we have for one another,” Spitzer said. “Since badminton is largely an individual or partner sport, the team members are always there watching and supporting until the last shot.”

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