Our 2020-2021 team
2020-2021 team photo coming soon!
As pictured left to right: Coach Josh Levin, David Dortmund, Dylan Bohn, Malcolm Moore,
Zach Cipra, Joey DiRienzo, Issac Kim, Unlisted, Joe Bajek, Coach Trent Jarrett
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, vt
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
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
brandon dao
all-around
Major:
Photography
hometown:
Glendale Heights, Illinois
favorite event:
Floor & Still Rings
why Niu:
I picked Northern Illinois because of the people and the great energy here
quote:
"Winners never quit and quitters never win"
- Vince Lombardi
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, pb, hb
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
Scott schnurr
fx, sr, Vt
Major:
Business
hometown:
Lombard, Illinois
favorite event:
Rings
why Niu:
I wanted to continue gymnastics and I knew Josh and Trent would be good coaches for me.
quote:
"He who fears he will suffer, already suffers because he fears."
-Michel De Montaigne
bryan tirva
all-around
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