DAC championship reflects Region as hotbed of high school gymnastics

DAC championship reflects Region as hotbed of high school gymnastics

The four highest-scoring teams in the state for IHSAA gymnastics, among others, will square off Saturday as Valparaiso High School hosts the Duneland Athletic Conference (DAC) championship meet.

Chesterton High School, Valparaiso High School, Lake Central High School, and Crown Point all fit that bill, as do no. 9 Portage High School and no. 14 Merrillville High School. La Porte High School and Michigan City High School also will compete.

“Our area has been the hotbed of high school gymnastics for the past 30 years. Needless to say, this will be an exciting meet with great gymnastics,” said Valparaiso head coach Lorie Cook.

She wasn’t kidding.

Valparaiso has the most state team championship titles (12), individual state champions (41), all-around state camps (11), state final team appearances (25), regional championships (22), and the highest team score (115.075). In addition, they have three individual state meet records. Chesterton holds 4 team state championships, Merrillville holds 2, and Portage holds 2.

Leading athletes and ones to watch this meet:

Chesterton High School: Sophie Hunzelman, Mia Pak, Caitlyn Cook

Valparaiso High School: Megan Wagenblast, Lexy Malamatos, Gabi Grisafi, Jade VerSchure, and Sabrina Falk.

Lake Central High School: Cloe Amanatidis and Maddie Bugg

Portage High School:  Bobbie Russell

Crown Point High School:  Paige Hein

Merrillville High School:  Brianna Thomas

The event takes place at Noon, Feb. 22 at Valparaiso High School, 2727 N. Campbell St., Valparaiso. GreatNews.Life will be covering the event, so be on the lookout for a full photo gallery of these exceptional athletes on Valpo.Life, Portage.Life, NWI.Life, and LaPorteCounty.Life.