Published: January 14, 2008 11:38 pm      

PREP ROUNDUP: WHS gymnasts post record score

Western beats Logan in boys swimming

Nikki McCracken and Casey Herr finished 1-2 in the all-around competition to lead Western past Muncie South and Delta in a triangular gymnastics meet Monday night at Russiaville.

Western posted a school-record score of 104.95 to easily top South (93.9) and Delta (91.15).

McCracken finished first in floor (9.3), second in bars (8.7), third in vault (9.1) and third in beam (8.25) for a winning all-around score of 35.35. Herr took first in beam (8.75), second in vault (9.15), second in floor (9.25) and fourth in bars (8.15) and had an all-around score of 35.3.

Western also received strong performances from Alleca Kerker, who won bars (8.8); Amanda Hudson, who took second in beam (8.55) and fourth in all-around (32.45); and Taylor Ruch, who was fourth in floor (8.8) and fifth in all-around (31.45).

“We had a very good night,” Western coach Margie Lea said. “The girls have improved so much, and they still have a lot more they can improve on. We’re seeing good things out of different gymnasts.

“Obviously, Nikki McCracken, Casey Herr and Amanda Hudson are the seasoned gymnasts who are back, but then we’re bringing in other good scores too,” Lea added. “Alleca Kerker won bars and did well on beam too. Whitney Worl placed in two events, bars and vault. She did really well. I am just really excited about our mix of veterans and rookies.”

Boys swimming

Western 108, Logansport 78

Jordan Garibaldi won the 200 individual medley (2:21.80) and 100 butterfly (1:00.08) and swam legs on the winning 200 freestyle and 400 freestyle relay teams to lead the Panthers to the road win.

The Panthers also received individual wins from Russell Showers (200 freestyle, 2:24); Mitch Hill (100 backstroke, 1:06.29); Jake Phillips (100 breast stroke, 1:13.41) and Mathias Timberman (diving, 165.95).

Hill, Phillips, Garibalidi and Showers won the 200 freestyle relay in 1:39.76 and Garibaldi, Cody Cross, Showers and Eric Cashler won the 400 freestyle relay in 3:48.76.

“We swam well against a team that is usually pretty tough,” Western coach Brad Bennett said. “I knew I was going to be able to get some of the guys out of their normal routine, but I knew we’d have to swim well to be able to pull it off and we did.

“Cody Cross had a nice night. He took third in the butterfly with a 1:06.36. For the first time ever swimming it, that is a strong time,” Bennett noted. “Russ Showers had a good night in winning the 200 free. He is usually our 1,500 guy.”

Western (7-2) hosts Eastern today.

Bryan Gaskins compiled this roundup.