Benet Academy’s lone gymnast Will Kastelic was not at sectionals but that didn’t mean he was not competing. Check out the latest Feature Story, sponsored by Edward Medical Group.
After becoming Benet Academy’s first ever boys gymnastics state qualifier in 2021, junior Will Kastelic took his gymnastics skill to another level by competing for Region 5 of the USA Men’s Gymnastics National Championships.
Kastelic competed in the 18s age group, with approximately 150 gymnasts from around the country, split into three flights. He scored in the top 25 in his flight on three of the six events: Floor (tied at 22), High Bar (23), and Vault (tied at 25.) He was just outside the top 25 on Parallel Bars (27).
“I was excited. It was unreal when I was there. I was like it’s actually Nationals, these are the best gymnasts in the nation and I’m one of them. It was really cool. Just crazy to be there. Great experience.”
Kastelic was one of four gymnasts in the area to compete at the national level, along with Tyler Williams and Hunter Ernest from Naperville Central, and John Blakey from Wheaton Academy. Besides competing for Benet Academy, Will also practices his skills at Premiere Gymnastics in Downers Grove, an organization he’s been training with since he was four years old.
“That’s where I started my gymnastics career. It’s the only place around us besides Naperville Gymnastics, but that is all-girls, so Premiere Gymnastics was my only option.”
He took time off from competing for Benet Academy this year because of his national opportunity. After a great first performance on the big stage, Kastelic hopes that his senior season will be one to remember, along with getting an opportunity to participate at Nationals once again.
“It’s amazing what I’ve done in my high school career so far, we’ll see what happens down the road.”
For Naperville Sports Weekly I’m Patrick Codo.
