After priming the boys gymnastics team for months, all of the hard work has paid off. The star studded team took home the State title for the first time since the 1979 Girls Basketball team.

On Friday, senior Dalai Jamiyankhuu repeated as the all-around state champion putting up a score of a 55.35. Jamiyankhuu contributed greatly to the impressive overall team score of 154.75. The team edged Glenbard West by a fraction of a point.

“It feels pretty incredible and it will never get old. This years victory for me and the team is definitely one to remember,” Jamiyankhuu said.

The victory was bittersweet for coaches Adrian Batista and Steve Foerch. Foerch will retire after this year, adding to the sentiment for winning a state title.

“This state championship was truly put together by Niles West alumni: head coach Adrian Batista and assistant coach Keith Mukai. They laid the groundwork at the beginning of the season. They have put together an incredible legacy for Niles West. I am honored to be a part of what they have cultivated this season,” coach Foerch said.

With any big victory comes a big celebration. On Tuesday May 17, Niles West will hold an assembly in the team’s honor.

“We are going to have a very quick assembly before school to recognize the first state championship here for 37 years. The assembly will go from 8:05 to 8:20, and first period will begin at 8:25,” Assistant Principal Mark Rigby said.

Congratulations to the boys and coaches. And good luck to the team’s seniors on their future gymnastics endeavors.