By Mike Ramczyk
Gone are the “Big 3.”
You remember them, don’t you? How could you not?
Jenna Fitzpatrick, Bailey Fitzpatrick and Molly Benavides racked up a pile of individual state gymnastics awards, including several state titles.
The dynamic trio helped lead the Burlington/Badger/Wilmot team, better known as BBW, to three straight Division 1 state runner-up finishes.
Though Jenna has graduated, Bailey and Benavides are back as two of the top all-around performers in the state.
However, the question remains: Can BBW provide enough help on the varsity level in each event to sustain the program’s recent area dominance?
“The Big Three was a rare combination of talent and experience that one high school program may not see again,” said BBW coach Diane Biedrzycki, now in her 11th season at the helm. “We also lost all-arounder Ciara Johnson and Jacquie Fiorillo. Those three seniors were a huge part of our success the last three years, and their skill and leadership will be tough to replace.”
Bailey Fitzpatrick may be competing with a chip on her shoulder, as a knee injury at sectionals last season prevented an unprecedented third straight D1 all-around championship.
Bailey and Benavides, both seniors at Burlington High School (BBW consists of Burlington, Badger, Wilmot, Catholic Central and Union Grove), are capable of scores of 9.5 or higher in every event.
Biedrzycki said returning athletes Mia Trent (soph., LGB), Hailey Siegler (soph., LGB) and Sophia Ellsworth (jr., WIL) all saw varsity time last year and are hoping to fill most of the spots left by the seniors.
“They are working hard to get their skill levels up to be able to score what is needed,” said Biedrzycki, who owns Lakes Area Gymnastics in Burlington. “Some skills will be added as the season progresses, and we will start the season competing what is clean and safe.”
Other key contributors should include Hailey Borkovec (jr. BUR), Kenzie Terry (soph., BUR) and Allie Miller (soph., UG).
Despite the perceived decline in overall talent, Biedrzycki said the girls still have a goal to make team state. With the top five or six teams in the state in their sectional, one which Biedrzycki calls the top sectional in the state, it will be a bigger challenge than in recent seasons.
The sky is the limit for Benavides and Bailey Fitzpatrick, and Biedrzycki can’t wait for them to realize their dream seasons.
“I most look forward to the younger girls improving and to see Molly and Bailey finish their high school careers exactly as they dream. These two are poised to have their best seasons yet.”
Biedrzycki said the team’s strongest event will be the balance beam, which is a tough one for most teams.
“We are a bit weak on bars and vault at this point, and floor should be OK when we add all of our difficulties.”
Gymnastics jargon aside, the Demons are still the team to beat in the Southern Lakes Conference, as evidenced by five straight championships.
No other squad in the school or the area for that matter has sustained the success of BBW, which has been Division 1 state runner-up the past four seasons and has enjoyed a No. 1 state ranking on the regular.
Though the team isn’t necessarily expected to repeat such a high standard, Biedrzycki’s gymnastics expertise can’t be taken lightly.
“We aim to win our conference for the sixth straight year and make a push for state by placing in the top two at sectionals,” she said. “We know that this season will be a work in progress, but we should see growth in skills and therefore scores as we go.”
Burlington’s biggest challenge will once again come from Franklin/Muskego/Oak Creek/Whitnall, the three-time defending D1 state champion.
“They are loaded with talent that will be hard for most teams to match,” Biedrzycki said.
BBW second at first meet
The Frost Meet on Saturday was the Demons’ first crack at revenge against the defending state champion FMOW Sabers.
Bailey Fitzpatrick and Benavides finished 1 and 2 in two events to lead BBW to a strong team score of 137.5, less than a point behind first-place Franklin.
Fitzpatrick won the balance beam with a score of 9.5 and tied Benavides for first on the vault with a 9.4, and edged Benavides out for the all-around title with 36.225.
Benavides won floor with a 9.3 and tied for the vault title. She was second in the all-around with a 36.0.
Schedule
(HOME MEETS IN CAPS)
January – 6: FRANKLIN. 10: at Waterford. 13: at Jefferson. 22: Tri at Kenosha Tremper. 27: ELKHORN. 31: at Madison Memorial Invite. February – 3: WHITEWATER. 7: at Tremper Invite. 12: at Waterford. 20: SLC meet at Waterford.
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