Lupo the Lone Link as Glenbard North Rebuilds

They're gone. The Big Three with the big tricks and the big-timecollege coach. All that remains at Glenbard North is the gymnasticsstate trophy and promise.

Brian Lupo is the only key component left from last year's teamthat stormed past Hinsdale Central in the finals to win the CarolStream school its first boys gymnastics state title.

Kevin Sauer, Shawn Bowlden and Dave Genc were the mainstays ofthat squad. Lupo placed seventh in the state on the still rings withan 8.5 in the finals and knows that is the only route he has left toget back to the state meet.

Last year the Panthers overcame a 150.15-149.8 deficit to winthe championship with 151 points on the second day of competition.

This year the Panthers' best score is 129.6.

"I expected it," Lupo said. "It was hard, but it was nice tohave the ending we did at state last year. They pushed me last year.This year I'm the guy who has to do the pushing and it's harder thanI expected."

Lupo has become a link for the next group of Panthers toemulate.

Shawn Shriver, Bill Genc and twin brothers Matt and ScottKnowles will be the leaders next year.

"Next year they're going to be up there," Lupo said. "Thoseother teams that think they're high and mighty better watch out."

But winning hasn't had much of an effect. In fact, fewer kidstried out this year. Perhaps due to the departure of one-year coachChuck Ehrlich. The former Northern Illinois coach installed a pit tohelp the Big Three learn advanced tricks, but was dismissed by theadministration and athletic director Jon Boulton returned to coachingafter an eight-year absence.

"I don't know if the change had anything to do with that,"Boulton said. "Coaching has been fun, except it's hectic as far astime is concerned. You only get great athletes every so often.Those kids were great athletes, not just in athletic ability, but intheir motivation. I was happy to be associated with them."

Boulton's main role last year was judging routines in practice.

"Chuck was in the gym during the off-season a lot," Boultonsaid. "I'm not able to do that. I have other responsibilities.This year we're younger, but I can see the same attitude. The kidsare just not mature yet, physicallly or mentally. I think this groupmay be on a par with where the last group was as juniors. I didn'trealize that I missed it so much. It is really rewarding."

Lupo works five events, the only all-arounder is Ladendorf.Lupo is providing motivation. He has scored 8.8 on the rings.

"Mr. Ehrlich knew those big tricks and how to perform them andthey had the skills for them," Lupo said of the Big Three. "Thisyear it's just me and Shawn. We're not working on those big tricks,just on clean routines. Mr. Boulton is a lot more laid back if youdon't think you can do the trick. Mr. Ehrlich pushed you a littlebit harder."