Our 2020-2021 team
2021 Team photo
Top row as pictured left to right: Coach Josh Levin, Dylan Bohn, Ethan Meister, Marty Franz, David Dortmund, Joe Bajek, Coach Trent Jarrett
Middle row as pictured left to right: Jamylenn Miles, Joey DiRienzo
Bottom row as pictured left to right: Bryan Tirva, Micah Puckett, Malcolm Moore, Zach Cipra, Cole Schreiber
select class below
seniors
zach cipra
ph, st, v, pb, hb
Major:
Master's in Business Administration
hometown:
Downers Grove, Illinois
favorite event:
Still Rings
why Niu:
The school was close to home and had my major and I could continue to do gymnastics
quote:
"Greatness comes from those who seek being the difference."
- Kirk Mango
joe bajek
ph, Sr, pb
Major:
Electrical Engineering
hometown:
Naperville, Illinois
favorite event:
Pommel Horse
why Niu:
The school was affordable and had the major I was looking for, it also had a gymnastics program!
quote:
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
- Nikola Tesla
dylan bohn
fx
Major:
Kinesiology
hometown:
McHenry, Illinois
favorite event:
Floor
why Niu:
The school was close to home and I was on the cheer team but found a new passion with gymnastics
quote:
"Do or do not,
there is no try."
- Yoda
Ethan meister
fx, v, pb, hb
Major:
Mechanical Engineering
hometown:
Barrington Hills, Illinois
favorite event:
High Bar
why Niu:
After losing my senior nationals to COVID-19 I couldn't pass up a chance to have a final season
quote:
juniors
Joey Dirienzo
ph
Major:
Marketing
hometown:
Wheaton, Illinois
favorite event:
Pommel Horse
why Niu:
It provided a possibility to continue my gymnastics career at a college level as well as pursue school.
quote:
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose" - Dr. Seuss
malcolm moore
fx, vt, hb
Major:
Rehabilitation and Psychology
hometown:
DeKalb, Illinois
favorite event:
Floor
why Niu:
I like the atmosphere of DeKalb and NIU along with being able to continue my athletics
quote:
"Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there."
- Will Rogers
sophomores
david dortmund
all-around
Major:
Criminal Justice
hometown:
Bartlett, Illinois
favorite event:
Pommel Horse
why Niu:
Its a cool environment and let me pursue my degree plus compete gymnastics at the caliber I wanted
quote:
"The only thing holding you back,
is yourself."
-Brad Henry
cole schreiber
all-around
Major:
Aviation Flight Management
hometown:
Plainfield, Illinois
favorite event:
Pommel Horse & High Bar
why Niu:
The opportunity to pursue my education and continue my athletic career in college
quote:
freshmen
marty franz
PH, sr, pb
Major:
Undecided
hometown:
Wheaton, Illinois
favorite event:
Parallel Bars
why Niu:
I was able to keep doing gymnastics in college and be with my friends
quote:
jamylenn "oj" miles
fx, sr, v
Major:
Fire Science
hometown:
Maywood, Illinois
favorite event:
Floor
why Niu:
I was told by a coach I could have a chance to keep doing the sport I love so I took it
quote:
"The moment you give up is the moment you let somebody else win."
-Kobe Bryant
micah puckett
all-around
Major:
Physical Health
hometown:
Montgomery, Alabama
favorite event:
why Niu:
High Bar
quote:
I saw the opportunity to both continue gymnastics and grow a new program, I couldn't resist
bryan tirva
SR
Major:
History
hometown:
Burbank, Illinois
favorite event:
Vault & Still Rings
why Niu:
I didn't know or think I would have the chance to do this but I was more than excited to join
quote:
"We're not defined by tragedies or turning points. We're defined by the choices we make facing of them" - Nightwing