Schaumburg High School Boys Gymnastics 2025 Season Recap: A Year of Growth, Grit, and State-Level Achievements
The 2025 boys gymnastics season at Schaumburg High School was a showcase of determination, discipline, and developmental success. Under the leadership of Head Coach Paula Parat, the Saxons forged their way through the competitive season with resilience, sending two standout seniors—Ricky Baisler and Keegan Creighton—to the Illinois State Championships while cultivating the growth of a promising junior class.
In a sport that demands precision, physical strength, and mental toughness, the Saxons embraced the challenge with a small but mighty team. With only six gymnasts competing at the varsity level, Schaumburg’s season wasn’t about overwhelming numbers—it was about maximizing effort, developing skills, and achieving personal bests.
Senior Leadership Shines on the State Stage
Coach Parat credits much of the team’s success and spirit to her two senior leaders: Ricky Baisler and Keegan Creighton. Both were instrumental in Schaumburg’s performance this season, each qualifying for the state meet and setting an example for the rest of the team.
Baisler, a specialist on Floor and Vault, delivered standout performances throughout the season. His 4th place finishes in both events at the Conference meet earned him an At-Large qualification to the State Championships, capping off an impressive high school career.
Creighton, meanwhile, competed as an All-Arounder but shined brightest on the Rings and Parallel Bars, placing 5th at Conference in both events and qualifying for State on Rings. His versatility and commitment provided the team with both points and poise throughout the season.
“These two young men are the first in my tenure to qualify for State two years in a row,” Coach Parat said. “They’ve worked hard for it, and I’m proud to see them reach their goals. Their encouragement and leadership have made a huge difference for our younger athletes.”
A Season of Steady Development
While the team did not achieve the overall team score Coach Parat had hoped for, the individual improvements made by the gymnasts were clear. The season was marked by skill development, mental growth, and an increasing sense of confidence among the juniors.
The team’s rising contributors—Joseph Tunquist, Hadi Manasrah, Rami Massah, and Grayson Ku—gained valuable experience rotating between the JV and varsity lineups. Of the four, Ku stood out as a first-year gymnast who rapidly developed his skills and even contributed to the varsity team score, a testament to his dedication and athletic ability.
For the others, their continued progress in skill development after three years of training reflects both their persistence and the guidance of their coaching staff. As Coach Parat notes, “All four boys will continue to develop skills in the future with their determination and dedication to the sport.”
These juniors, soon to be seniors, now have the benefit of three seasons of experience, and their eyes are set on individual specialization—each hoping to make a State appearance of their own next year.
Coaching Through Adversity and Staying Grounded
Unlike many sports plagued by frequent injuries, Schaumburg’s gymnasts were fortunate to stay healthy throughout the 2025 season. That allowed the team to remain consistent in training and competition. However, like any competitive program, the team experienced tough losses and moments of pressure.
Coach Parat’s approach to these challenges emphasizes the process over the outcome. “I always tell them, give your best effort—then it’s up to the judges to score what they see,” she said. “That’s all we ask as a coaching staff. Compete with integrity, and the results will follow.”
This mindset not only builds mental resilience but also fosters a healthy relationship with competition—a crucial element in gymnastics where perfection is often the standard.
A Vision for the Future: Strengthening the Foundation
Coach Parat is excited about what lies ahead for Schaumburg gymnastics. With most of the team returning and several gymnasts already targeting events to specialize in, the foundation for next season is solid. But success in gymnastics doesn’t come without preparation, and that’s exactly where the offseason comes into play.
She plans to encourage her athletes to attend summer gymnastics camps and fall open gym sessions, both of which offer critical opportunities to reinforce existing skills and introduce new ones. These sessions will also help athletes stay physically fit—a key ingredient in retaining muscle memory and reducing injury risk.
“This sport is incredibly demanding on the body,” Parat explained. “With proper training and conditioning, our athletes will be able to pick up right where they left off and continue growing.”
Offseason plans will focus on improving offensive execution, or in gymnastics terms, upgrading the difficulty and clean execution of routines. As routines become more challenging, they increase scoring potential, bringing Schaumburg closer to the higher team scores Coach Parat is targeting.
The Schaumburg Standard: More Than Just Medals
Gymnastics at Schaumburg isn’t solely about competition—it’s about growth, self-discipline, and pushing past limits. Coach Parat’s emphasis on effort, respect for the sport, and continual improvement has created a culture where athletes thrive not only as gymnasts but also as individuals.
As the 2025 season concludes, it’s clear that this small but committed group of athletes has laid the groundwork for future success. The lessons learned, the skills gained, and the bonds formed will serve them well as they continue to represent Schaumburg High School with pride.
The Saxons may not have had a deep roster, but they had heart, hard work, and high expectations—and that made all the difference.
Where to Follow the Team
For fans and supporters eager to follow the program, meet results and individual stats can be found on MeetScore, an online platform tracking gymnastics performances across the region.
In Conclusion
The 2025 boys gymnastics season at Schaumburg High School was a celebration of progress, persistence, and passion. From state-bound seniors to emerging underclassmen, every athlete contributed to the team's identity and success. With strong leadership, a clear developmental path, and an offseason plan in place, the Saxons are poised to elevate the program even further in 2026 and beyond.
As Coach Paula Parat puts it: “Always give your best—that’s what this sport, and life, is really about.”
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