No more will fans watch as the best gymnasts from the state swing their bodies in looping circles on the bar. Gymnasts will no longer feel the electric rush leading up to a competition and the giddy relief after they move on to the State Series in Boys’ Gymnastics.
As of a decision made in the summer of 2023, the Boys’ Gymnastics State Series will no longer be sanctioned by the Illinois High School Association (IHSA). The state tournaments which have been held since 1952 will not be a part of the plethora of IHSA state events coming in the spring of 2024.
“I think it’s sad because it’s one of the original sports in the state of Illinois. Based on the IHSA rules, yes they are justified but I wish they would have changed the rules given how times have changed,” said coach Jarrod Amolsch who has been involved in the program for 22 years.
According to the IHSA, the low participation percentage in recent years in the sport was the deciding factor in stopping the state series. A record low of below 7% of schools that are members of the IHSA participated in Boys’ Gymnastics prior to the coronavirus pandemic. After students returned to school and athletics with regular contact levels, the number did not rise which prompted the removal of the state series.
“Back when you first started, there weren’t as many sports to choose from so gymnastics did a lot better. But now that there’s so many sports, at small schools like ours, the kids are spread thin,” continued Amolsch.
Hinsdale South was one of the small percentage of schools that had a team and was a part of the Boys’ Gymnastics state tournament. Due to the rule change, Hornet Gymnasts will not have the chance to compete at the state level this year.
I think it’s a little unfair that it happened but I understand why they did it,” said senior Noah Ririe, “Not many schools are even able to get a team together which is a little sad because it’s a great sport even if you’re a beginner.”
South will still field a team with interested athletes despite the lack of an IHSA state series. The season will run as it has in the past, including all practices and meets, but without the state tournament cap off at the end.
