Most freshmen join high school gymnastics teams ready to compete and contribute. Glenbard East`s Mike Califf was a different story.
”Let`s just say that when he came in as a freshman, he was not the best,” said Glenbard East coach Steve Kafka. ”He didn`t have the background. Oh, he could do a couple of basic skills that his older sister (Mary) taught him. But he had a ways to go.”
Four years later, Califf is one of the most accomplished high school gymnasts in Illinois. In 14 meets this season, including Friday`s Du Page Valley Conference meet, Califf is undefeated in all-around competition.
Friday, except for placing second to teammate Dan Zimmerman on still rings (8.85-8.05), Califf made a clean sweep of the conference meet. His all- around average was 8.23, with the Rams` 138.20 easily topping second-place Wheaton North`s 105.60.
This season, Califf has faced top all-arounders Dave Kanar of Glenbrook North, Steve Kodowsky of St. Francis, York`s Neal Gallant, Sean Martin of Niles North and Dan Dellert of Addison Trail. Califf has beaten them all. Not bad for a kid who wasn`t what you`d call a ”natural” four years ago.
”There has been tremendous progress for Mike,” said Kafka. ”I`m thrilled to death to have seen him grow so much in four years. I`ve been coaching a while (10 years) and he`s definitely the best boy I`ve ever worked with.”
Work is the key word for Mike Califf. Anything Califf lacks, he makes up for with good old-fashioned sweat.
”I really didn`t know too much as a freshman,” Califf admitted. ”I just wanted to be a good gymnast, so I worked at it.
”I try to put in about 20 hours a week. And the last two years, I`ve been going to some summer gymnastics camps and clubs. I love the sport and I want to do the best I can.”
”I`m not going to say he was bad as a freshman . . .” said Kafka, not completing the thought. ”As a sophomore, he made a lot of progress. He was very good. As a junior, he struggled a bit, especially because no one knew who he was and he didn`t have the polish. Then there`s this year.”
As a senior, Califf decided he wanted to make a name for himself and impress some college coaches and media types. Maybe even be among the top gymnasts in the state.
”I`m kind of surprised how well I`ve done,” Califf said. ”My scores haven`t been as high as in the past, but I`ve been consistent.
”At the start of the year, I thought maybe I could be the third-best
(all-arounder). Maybe I even had an outside shot at second. But to be first at this time of the season? Nah, I figured that wasn`t possible.”
Kafka wasn`t as surprised.
”Every time he`s been up against another good all-around, he`s risen to meet the challenge,” said Kafka. ”So his doing as well this year doesn`t surprise me.
”We didn`t set a goal to be undefeated, it`s just happened–so far. Mike just wanted to be as good as he could, and he wants to be the state champion. Up to this point, everything has fallen into place.”
When the state finals are held May 17-18 at Forest View High School in Arlington Heights, Califf will have his final chance to be a champion.
”I think I have a good shot at it,” Califf said. ”All I have to do is hit my sets. Just stay consistent.”
And if Califf loses?
”It won`t be the end of the world,” he said. ”I`ll just look forward to competing in college.”
