Winter sport state qualifiers
Gene Palazkou (12)- Dive
After 4 years of varsity diving, Gen
e Palazkou could not have asked for a better way to wrap up his high school diving career. He had always hoped to make it to the state competition, and this year he finally did!
Talk about your experience at state.
State was a very eye-opening experience. Getting to dive with people from all around the state really made me realize that I wasn’t as good as I had anticipated, but I was still a worthy opponent in the eyes of my competitors. Having my friends go with me to state really had an impact because of the support that I felt when I was diving, knowing that I wasn’t alone. My ultimate goal was to just make it there, and now that my season is over I feel fulfilled, even though I didn’t make it to finals.
How long have you been diving?
I have been diving for 4 years in total.
Favorite memory with this sport?
My favorite memory with this sport is when Coach Gabris came out of diving retirement to come coach me my sophomore year to senior year.
People to thank?
I would like to thank Coach Gabris, Mr. Greenwalt, Jacob Reichert, and my mom and dad for supporting me the whole way on my journey.
Do you/how do you plan on continuing your diving career?
I plan on continuing my career in diving at a division 2 or division 3 school.
Collin Turley (12)- Wrestling
Three-year varsity starter, Collin Turley finished his final wrestling season with a record of 41-10 at the 220 pound weight class. He is the eighth wrestler in VHHS history to be a part of the 40 win club!
Talk about your experience at state.
State was great! The best wrestlers in Illinois were all gathered in one place! I didn’t do too well, but it was fun to see everyone who still wrestled!
How long have you been wrestling?
I’ve been wrestling 7 years, so since 6th grade.
Favorite memory from this sport?
State is my new favorite memory, but before it was a winning a meet for our team at Antioch sophomore year.
People to thank?
I would like to thank all my coaches, my brother, and my parents for always supporting me and pushing me to do my best
Do you plan on continuing your wrestling career? If not, what are your plans for next year?
I do not plan to continue wrestling, but I will continue to root for our team here at Vernon Hills.
Allison Landis (9)- Gymnastics
Allison Landis helped the Cougars to have one of their best seasons in years! She qualified for the state beam competition and finished 18th in the state!
Talk about your experience at state.
State was amazing. I got to see the top of the top perform and then compete against them. The atmosphere was really intense. I had to embrace this pressure and turn it into a fun experience.
How long have you been doing gymnastics?
I have been doing gymnastics since I was three years old. As a kid, I was always climbing and jumping off of things, so my parents signed me up for gymnastics. Instantly, I fell in love with the sport!
Favorite memory from this gymnastics season?
It is impossible for me to pick one memory, because just being a part of this team has been one of my favorite things.
People to thank?
I would like to thank my parents and my sister for never pressuring me to do anything, and always respecting my choices that lead the path I have taken as an athlete. I would also like to thank my coaches: Coach G. and Coach Crandall, for helping being so kind and supportive
Do you plan on continuing your gymnastics career?
Sadly, I will not be continuing with gymnastics at all. My back injury does not allow me to do the sport safely anymore, and I must let this experience serve as my final gymnastics accomplishment.