The IHSA has stated that they did not want to further truncate the gymnastics season by using 2-3 weeks of the season for a state series. While we understand the IHSA’s concerns, we offer the following solutions which would allow for a State Series without further truncating the season.

A state series would continue to consist of Regionals, Sections and State.  We propose the last 15 days of the season included these events. All Varsity Gymnasts already participate in the Regions and still would. Those that qualify would move on to Sections and those that qualify at Sections for State would move on to State. Those Senior Gymnasts that do not qualify for Sections and State would participate in a “Senior Meet” to culminate their high school careers. How wonderful would it be to have a “Senior Meet” to culminate those seniors who did not move on in the state series. Under this platform, at most, a senior might participate in one less meet.  

We further propose that during the 15 days of the State Series, there would be Frosh/Soph and JV meets at other locations. While not expressed in the IHSA’s press release, if the number of athletes participating at a State Meet concerns the IHSA, we would propose the State meet (and possibly Sections) be run on the same format as the State track meet. Under this format, individual teams would not advance but there would still be a Team State Champion crowned based on the point system similar to that used at the State track meet.  

We understand that this will not be easy. Gymnastics is not easy. But you would have a partnership with all of us to assist with logistics and financing. Without your help, our Gymnastics careers will end in a cliffhanger with us forever wondering what we could have achieved.