LTHS Boys Gymnasts Aim to Qualify for State

Seniors Carr and Michaelson lead a determined team effort to reach the state meet

Mar. 10, 2026 at 9:49pm

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The Lyons Township High School boys gymnastics team is determined to qualify for the Illinois High School Gymnastics Coaches Association state meet this season after narrowly missing out last year. Led by seniors TJ Carr and Jack Michaelson, the Lions are focused on improving their team chemistry and individual skills to make a push for state in May.

Why it matters

The LTHS boys gymnastics team has a proud tradition of qualifying for the state meet, and the seniors are eager to continue that legacy. After a disappointing near-miss last season, the team is highly motivated to work together and reach their goal of a state berth.

The details

The Lions finished ninth at the 2025 state meet after initially not qualifying but being added to the field when another team withdrew. This year, the team is taking a more collaborative approach, with Carr saying "Every single day it's about the team. Everybody wants to do better for the team." Along with Carr and Michaelson, the team features returning state qualifiers Evan Ries and Ignacio Rodriguez, as well as promising freshmen Patrick Radditz and Dante Rodriguez. The Lions are currently working on building up their routines to peak in time for the state meet in May.

  • The Lions opened their season on March 10, 2026 at the Hinsdale Central Wanner Invitational.
  • The team is aiming to have their more competitive routines ready by April in order to make a push for state in May.

The players

TJ Carr

A senior gymnast and four-year team member who is determined to lead the Lions back to the state meet.

Jack Michaelson

A senior gymnast and four-year team member who specializes in vault and floor exercise.

Evan Ries

A sophomore gymnast who competed for the team at the 2025 state meet.

Ignacio Rodriguez

A junior gymnast who competed for the team at the 2025 state meet, specializing in floor, still rings, and vault.

Sam Zeman

The head coach of the LTHS boys gymnastics team, who is proud of the team's improved team chemistry and commitment to each other.

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What they’re saying

“We didn't really have the best team aspect wanting to get better. This year it's a complete 180. Every single day it's about the team. Everybody wants to do better for the team. That kind of cohesion, seeing that coalesce into maybe a state berth, if we grow tighter as a team, that's a successful season for me.”

— TJ Carr, Senior Gymnast

“We are working basic routines in March while preparing for more competitive routines in April in order to make the big push for state in May. We have a group of guys that believe in team. I am proud of the way they are coming together and understand the more they work together and commit to each other, the more each one of them can benefit in the long run.”

— Sam Zeman, Head Coach

“We (also) have a lot of new freshmen. They're very motivated in learning new skills and to push themselves. This team, compared to last year, is a lot more motivated and willing to push each other further to be better. Seeing that pay off, especially for me and TJ as seniors, would be great to see.”

— Jack Michaelson, Senior Gymnast

What’s next

The Lions will continue to build up their routines in the coming months, with the goal of peaking in time for the state meet in May. The team's progress will be closely watched as they aim to qualify for the state competition.

The takeaway

The LTHS boys gymnastics team's renewed focus on team chemistry and individual improvement shows their determination to return to the state meet after narrowly missing out last season. The senior leadership of Carr and Michaelson, combined with the enthusiasm of the younger gymnasts, has the Lions poised for a successful campaign.