Boys Gymnastics: Alex Diab records historic score on the h-bar

Updated: April 27, 2012 11:01PM

The Glenbard West boys gymnastics program has accomplished many things in its 50 years, including winning a state title and advancing to the state finals 14 times.

During Friday’s West Suburban Silver meet in Glen Ellyn, freshman Alex Diab did something that’s only been done once before by a Hilltopper.

Diab executed a flawless routine on the horizontal bar and received a perfect score of 10. Coincidentally, Josh Levin, who attended Friday’s festivities, achieved the feat on pommel horse during the state finals in 1996.

“It was my best routine this year so I knew I was going to get a 10,” Diab said. “It was great to do it on the anniversary and in front of all those guys.”

Diab also won still rings with a 9.6, parallel bars with a 9.55 and pommel horse with a 9.1 to finish with an all-around score of 57.250. Still, it wasn’t enough to hold off Downers Grove North, which edged the Hilltoppers, 152.25 to 151.3.

The Trojans also finished the regular conference season with a 4-0 mark to sweep the conference season.

Senior Luke Wychocki led the way for the Trojans, winning floor with a 9.6 and finishing second in the all-around with a 53.45. John Schubert added a 9.05 on horizontal bar and 9 on vault while Strah Sopcic had an all-around score of 49.3 for the winners.

“Our mail goal was to win as a team and keep the winning streak going,” Sopcic said. “Glenbard West is an awesome team so we were glad to be able to pull out on top.”

Hinsdale Central senior Tyler Leahy won vault with a 9.65, just edging Diab’s 9.6.

The Red Devils finished third with a 144.15.

“I knew it was going to be tough to beat Alex,” Leahy said. “So I was pretty happy with my vault.”

At the midway point of the meet, a brief ceremony recognized the many coaches and assistant coaches who have been a part of the Glenbard West program. After the competition concluded, many former gymnasts were also honored.

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