Geneva senior Emily Ott is beginning what she expects to be her final year of competitive gymnastics strongly enough. With Ott's help, the Vikings have won each of their three meets entering the weekend, with Ott sparking the most recent victory by breaking her own school record in the floor exercise with Wednesday's score of 9.6. Still, Ott does not plan to hit the floor or mat in college. Kane County Chronicle sports reporter Kevin Druley caught up with Ott for this week's edition of the Weekend Chit-chat to talk about floor exercise music, Geneva's hot start and the way other students treat gymnastics in the halls. The following is an edited transcript:
What's your floor song?
'Maghreb Market.' It's not a known song. It's just floor music. Last year was the first time I had it. ... I used 'Gypsy Rhapsody' in my sophomore year.
Someone played 'I'm Shipping Up to Boston' at Neuqua Valley [on Wednesday]. What's the most unconventional floor song you've heard?
Yeah, I noticed they played that, too. It's hard to put your finger on one. It varies among a lot of people who pick mainstream stuff you'll hear on the radio or something written just for a gymnastics routine. You kind of channel your own music out but do notice some of the different selections other girls have.
Talk about the key to the hot start.
We've been awesome. We've had three meets and got first in all of them. ... It's just [about] staying confident. We've had some injuries and things, so we all have to fill in spots and help each other pull through. We're still very motivated to do things, we always cheer each other on and keep a positive attitude.
How has the team taken to [sophomore transfer] Ashley Puff?
She's actually one of our strongest competitors, especially in the all-around. She's been helping us out, for sure. ... She's definitely improved from last year (when Puff transferred mid-year but couldn't compete). We knew she was good last year, and she's even better now.
How does the rest of the school receive the gymnastics team?
It's usually not one of the more popular sports people watch. The first meet we had, a home meet, a few more people came than usual. You could hear more commotion in the gym. I would love to see it get more popular at our school, but it's definitely more popular than it has been. We've been doing really well the past few years and have our goals set for another big season.
The 2008 Olympics wrapped up during the beginning of your sophomore year. Do you remember a spike in casual gymnastics conversation then?
Usually when there's something that's in the media or a movie about gymnastics, that's when you get more, 'Oh, cool. That's what you do?' kind of stuff. It's interesting, though, because until you'd see us at practice or training, people really have no idea as to what we do. ... It's very hard to explain. It's definitely something you have to see.
Did you follow any Dream Team Olympians closer than others growing up?
You know, I've always done gymnastics and it's always been part of my life and I've always watched it all the time, but it was more for the team and the event aspect. There's no one gymnast or star I ever idolized or anything.
Will you be competing in college?
Actually, no. This will be my last year doing gymnastics. I actually didn't plan on doing gymnastics in high school, but then Kim (Hostman, Geneva's coach) convinced me to compete. ... There was something similar with a former teammate, Erin Kluck. She wanted Erin to compete and I already worked with [Hostman] as a gymnastics coach [at Geneva Park District], so I figured why not, I can do this. It's been fun, and I'm glad I came out.
Where are you thinking for college?
Most likely Auburn in Alabama. I'm looking to study mechanical engineering. ... It was completely random, but I'm a huge football fan, and they're doing amazing so far.