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Water Damage Restoration in Evanston, IL
Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.
Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Evanston, IL is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Evanston. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
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Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:
Navigating the insurance claim process
We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion
We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
You might also be thinking about:
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.
Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.
Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.
Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.
Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
At Disaster Response, It's All About You
As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Evanston.
Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.
We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
The Disaster Response Difference
Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes
In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.
Insurance Advocacy
Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.
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Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Evanston, IL
Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.
As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.
What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Evanston, IL, Different from Others?
One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Evanston?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.
But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:
Cost
Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.
Technicians
Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to
Time
Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.
Tools
Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.
Process
For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.
Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network
We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.
What Does Disaster Response Fix?
As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Evanston, IL, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.
- Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
- Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
- Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
- Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value.
Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.
What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?
We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Evanston restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:
Infrared Cameras
Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meters
We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.
Air Movers
This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.
Ozone Generators
These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.
Xtreme Xtractor
This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.
Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About
Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Evanston, IL, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:
Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.
Black Water Damage
The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.
If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:
- Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
- Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
- Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Evanston, IL
Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.
We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.
After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.
Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.
- Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
- Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
- Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
- Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
The Water Damage Company in Evanston, IL, You Can Trust
When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.
As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.
Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Evanston rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.
Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!
Latest News in Evanston, IL
No Relief In Sight Yet For Wildkits
Dennis Mahoneyhttps://patch.com/illinois/evanston/no-relief-sight-yet-wildkits
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.SportsBullpen Falters In 11-5 Loss At Maine SouthCommunity ContributorEvanston’s bullpen hasn’t offered much relief this season.And that trend continued this week against Maine South with the start of postseason baseball play just a couple of weeks away for the Wildkits.After allowing half of South’s...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Bullpen Falters In 11-5 Loss At Maine South
Community Contributor
Evanston’s bullpen hasn’t offered much relief this season.
And that trend continued this week against Maine South with the start of postseason baseball play just a couple of weeks away for the Wildkits.
After allowing half of South’s run total in an 8-0 loss on Tuesday, the Wildkits surrendered a 5-1 lead in the series finale on Thursday in Park Ridge as the Hawks erupted for 10 runs in one inning in an 11-5 triumph.
Even more disturbing is the fact that, according to pairings for the Class 4A sectional tournament, the two teams could meet again for the regional championship hosted by Maine South the last week of May. On paper, at least, that’s not a matchup that seems likely to help the Kits catch fire in the postseason.
Just once, ETHS head coach Frank Consiglio would like to have confidence in a decision to change pitchers. But no one has emerged in the bullpen to back up a solid starting rotation that consists of sophomore Elliot Paul, senior Owen Vander Velde and junior Johnny Kellams.
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Consiglio knows he’s running out of time to find some answers on the mound. The Kits are in danger of suffering just their second losing season in Consiglio’s coaching tenure after falling to 12-16 on the season. They finished dead last in the Central Suburban League South division this spring at 4-11.
Kellams departed Thursday’s game with a 5-1 advantage after four innings. After that, it was all downhill for the Wildkits.
Maybe Consiglio can convince the Illinois High School Association to change the length of all future games from seven innings to five.
“I’m not concerned about beating Maine South if we get to play them again. It gets harder to beat any team every time you play them,” said the ETHS coach. “What’s a concern for me is our pitching in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings. We can play with anybody for five innings, but we’re not going to get any (good) results in the postseason if we keep this up.
“We just don’t have the pitching we need in the late innings. Our pitchers need to have more confidence in their stuff to get outs in the (strike) zone, instead of getting ahead of batters and then nibbling, nibbling, nibbling. When you have to depend on a hitter to get himself out, you’re not going to get the results you want in what I call those big boy innings.”
Kellams wasn’t exactly lights out in Thursday’s start, but he managed traffic on the basepaths without being scored on until the Hawks pushed across an unearned run with two outs in the fourth inning.
In the disastrous fifth --- which was interrupted by a lightning delay for 30 minutes, and then called off after five and a half innings because of rain --- the Hawks sent 14 batters to the plate against the ETHS mound trio of Sam Kalil, Zach Bachochin and Will Molitor. None of them could limit the damage as the carnage featured seven hits for the home team, including back-to-back home runs by Evan Adamczewski and Luka Stojakovic with a 30-mile-per-hour wind aiding those blasts.
After scoring only three total runs in the first 16 innings of the division series, the Wildkits began the finale with a bang when sophomore shortstop Tate Schroeder belted a home run on a 3-2 pitch leading off the game against South right-hander Cole Mutchler.
Senior Avan Teuer, who has struggled all season with runners in scoring position, contributed RBI singles in both the fourth and fifth to stake the visitors to a 5-1 advantage.
Evanston earned the No. 7 seed for the Loyola Academy Sectional, where the top four seeds are New Trier, Lane Tech, Maine South and Glenbrook North. The Wildkits are scheduled to open regional play on May 29th at 5 p.m. against No. 11 seed Chicago Von Steuben, with the winner advancing to play either Maine South or Elk Grove Village on May 31st.
Northwestern Appoints NFL Scout As General Manager Of Athletics
patch.comhttps://patch.com/illinois/evanston/bengals-scout-becomes-general-manager-northwestern-athletics
EVANSTON, IL — Former Cincinnati Bengals scout Christian Sarkisian is joining Northwestern University's Department of Athletics and Recreation as its General manager, the university announced.After seven years as a Bengals scout, Sarkisian is returning to Northwestern, where he attended school and earned his Master of Arts in Sports Administration. Sarkisian also worked as the Assistant Director of Player Personnel and Recruiting Assistant from 2015 to 2017."I am honored to return to Evanston as the GM of Northwester...
EVANSTON, IL — Former Cincinnati Bengals scout Christian Sarkisian is joining Northwestern University's Department of Athletics and Recreation as its General manager, the university announced.
After seven years as a Bengals scout, Sarkisian is returning to Northwestern, where he attended school and earned his Master of Arts in Sports Administration. Sarkisian also worked as the Assistant Director of Player Personnel and Recruiting Assistant from 2015 to 2017.
"I am honored to return to Evanston as the GM of Northwestern Athletics," said Sarkisian. "After seven years learning from the greatest of football minds and leaders, I feel ready to help add to the legacy of Northwestern's athletic programs. From growing up never missing a Saturday at Ryan Field to helping build rosters that won bowl games and went to the Big Ten Championship, I've learned, and have been raised by, the Northwestern standard of excellence, and I look forward to doing my part to elevate our athletic programs."
As General Manager, Sarkisian will oversee the operational functions related to the NCAA House settlement and its impact on all the university's intercollegiate athletics programs. He will also oversee all aspects of salary cap management for Northwestern Athletics, with a primary emphasis on football.
In this position, Sarkisian will also lead student-athlete evaluations, contract negotiations and will be accountable for the Name, Image and Likeness clearinghouse.
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"We are thrilled to welcome Christian back to Northwestern and into a role that is vital to the future of our athletics program," said Combe Family Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Mark Jackson. "Christian brings a wealth of experience from his time in the NFL and his previous work here in Evanston, particularly in areas such as student-athlete evaluation, recruitment and strategic resources. His perspective and leadership will be instrumental as we navigate a rapidly changing college athletics environment and continue to support our student-athletes at the highest level."
During his time with the Bengals, Sarkisian was a member of the personnel department that contributed to two AFC Championship appearances. He was responsible for college and pro scouting, evaluating prospects, managing pre-NFL Draft visits and contributing to roster and salary cap management.
"Christian has been an invaluable member of the Bengals organization since he joined the team seven years ago," said Bengals President Mike Brown. "He is bright and hard-working but most importantly, he is a good person. He deserves this opportunity. Northwestern made a smart move in hiring him."
Strong Start Helps Kit Girls Sink Trevs For Tourney Title
Dennis Mahoneyhttps://patch.com/illinois/evanston/strong-start-helps-kit-girls-sink-trevs-tourney-title
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.SportsEvanston Repeats As Water Polo ChampsCommunity ContributorChloe Lundervold had never scored three goals in a varsity water polo game before.But the Evanston junior rose to the occasion when the Wildkits needed her most.Lundervold poured in three goals in the first eight minutes of the Central Suburban League Sou...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Evanston Repeats As Water Polo Champs
Community Contributor
Chloe Lundervold had never scored three goals in a varsity water polo game before.
But the Evanston junior rose to the occasion when the Wildkits needed her most.
Lundervold poured in three goals in the first eight minutes of the Central Suburban League South division tournament championship game Saturday morning at Glenbrook North and paced the Kit girls to a second straight tournament title.
Dominating just like they did during the regular season, the Wildkits overpowered nemesis New Trier 9-2 and improved to 20-4-1. It marked Evanston’s third win in four tries this spring against the Trevians, with the other game resulting in a 5-5 tie.
Evanston’s fast start behind Lundervold left no doubt to the outcome. The Kits were able to find the energy they needed despite the fact that a half dozen seniors attended the school prom the night before and could have been expected to feel some fatigue.
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But just like last year’s state runner-up team, this group refuses to lose.
“Winning this tournament is one of the goals we talked about before the season started,” pointed out ETHS second-year head coach Maggie Hatcher, “We wanted to make sure they all had fun at prom --- and that they also knew their responsibilities to the team. They understand that they have to keep themselves accountable.
“And when no one was late for the bus, that felt like a good sign to me.”
Lundervold’s three goals, plus goals from Alice Lemmon, Maya Vincent and Tacy Jamison, sparked ETHS to a 6-0 halftime advantage and the Kits were never threated despite suffering through an offensive lull when they were outscored 2-1 in the third period.
Also contributing goals in the second half were Lemmon, Teagan Kenney and Vincent again.
During the regular conference season, the Wildkits went undefeated and scored in double figures in half of those games. But Hatcher and Co. didn’t take a tournament title for granted.
“Even if something is SUPPOSED to happen, you still have to do it,” Hatcher said. “Our main goal today was to take control early and stay in control, just play our game. It was great to have the energy we had.”
Evanston defeated New Trier for the tourney title in 2024, and the two teams are seeded 1-2 for next week’s Glenbrook South Sectional tournament. Hatcher, a former standout player for the Kits herself, knows that New Trier had the pre-eminent program in the conference for years and just two years ago the Wildkits won the regular season matchups, only to lose to New Trier in the postseason.
But the vibe between the two programs is trending in Evanston’s favor now.
“They’re always in the back of our minds (in the postseason), and I wouldn’t say that’s gone,” Hatcher added. “I think now we’ve figured out some things about how to play to our strengths and how to show up for any big game, regardless of who the opponent is.
“At the sectional, it will be about just taking one step at a time. We can’t look past the Wednesday game (against Glenbrook North) or a possible Friday game. The best thing they can do is just stay in the present.”
Lundervold’s unexpected scoring outburst came from a player who netted just 14 goals during the regular season, but still was chosen to the all-conference team along with goalie Ella Feeney, Vincent, and Tacy Jamison. Feeney, a senior, was also recognized as the winner of the Richard Dux “Goalie of the Year Award” named in honor of the former Niles West coach. She finished with eight saves to deny the Trevs on Saturday.
Lundervold’s all-around play left an impression on CSL South coaches and she might be one of the most improved players in the state of Illinois considering that she rarely got off the bench for last year’s talent-laden squad.
“We set our goal to come out hard and play our best water polo today, so I had a lot of energy at the start,” said the Evanston junior. “I’ve never had three goals in a varsity game before. I just kept working hard for the next possession and the next possession after that.
“I didn’t play much last year but I played club in the summer and the winter and the coaches really pushed me to do better. I think I’m just more confident all around this year. We all put in a lot of work on this team. We push each other and we trust each other. It’s all about effort and hard work for us.”
The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?
Van Leer, Wildkits Rule Gymnastics Sectional
Dennis Mahoneyhttps://patch.com/illinois/evanston/van-leer-wildkits-rule-gymnastics-sectional
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.SportsSenior Standout Scores Wins In 6 Of 7 EventsCommunity ContributorAfter not competing in club gymnastics for the first time last summer, Erik Van Leer wasn’t in peak form for the first half of the high school season.Now he’s back and ready for one last hurrah.The Evanston senior swept to victories in ...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Senior Standout Scores Wins In 6 Of 7 Events
Community Contributor
After not competing in club gymnastics for the first time last summer, Erik Van Leer wasn’t in peak form for the first half of the high school season.
Now he’s back and ready for one last hurrah.
The Evanston senior swept to victories in all but one event, including the all-around title, and led the Wildkits to a second straight team championship Tuesday night at the Niles Co-op Sectional meet sponsored by the Illinois High School Gymnastics Coaches Association.
Evanston ruled the eight-team field with a winning point total of 144.75 to 140.10 for Niles and is assured of a trip to the state finals set for May 17 at Hoffman Estates High School. The top 10 scoring teams at the three sectionals will send full squads to battle for the team title, but the Wildkits will have to wait at least 24 hours to find out how many individual qualifiers will represent ETHS at State.
The Coaches Association took over running the State meet last year and changed the rules so that the top 50 scorers in each event at the sectionals will advance. Previously, a top five finish automatically kept your season alive.
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In the team competition, only three squads --- Glenbard West at 164.05, Wheaton Co-op at 161.60 and Geneva at 151.15 --- piled up more points than ETHS at Monday’s Glenbard West Sectional competition. And at the Lake Park Sectional that is scheduled for Wednesday night, only the Downers Grove Co-op has surpassed the 140-point mark this spring.
Van Leer, the defending state champion in the vault, led Evanston to a second place State finish as a team a year ago and seems primed for a big finish if his dominant performance at the sectional is any indication of the way the blonde senior standout is trending.
He captured the all-around crown with a score of 53.30 that was more than seven points higher than the next best finisher, T.J. Carr of Lyons Township at 45.95. That total included wins for Van Leer on horizontal bar (8.75), floor exercise (9.45), parallel bars (8.75), vault (9.45), and still rings (9.00). He also placed fifth on pommel horse at 7.90.
Backing him up with solid performances of their own were teammates Jacob Potter and Nathan Schlack, who finished third and sixth respectively all-around and should advance to State along with Van Leer.
“It’s great to repeat like this, and with a different team,” said ETHS head coach Frank Erwin, who noted that Van Leer and Potter were the only two returning regulars from last year’s squad. “All in all, it’s really been a pleasantly surprising year for us. I’ve been blessed coaching some really good kids here. We did much better this year than anyone expected --- including us.
“They did a good job tonight. It was a good performance. We were a little shaky in a couple of places, but we finished strong on high (horizontal) bar and that really helped. I still think we can do a little better, and I’d be thrilled if we can finish in the top six at State.
“I think tonight sets Erik up well for State. He can still clean a few things up, but he’s in a good position now.”
Van Leer has been a game-changer since the moment he stepped into Evanston’s practice gym as a freshman. Now that the end is in sight --- he won’t try to compete in college as fewer than 20 Division I universities field men’s gymnastics teams now --- he’s more relaxed and not as outcome-oriented as in the past.
In fact, he’s switched gears to another sport and has already won a state championship in competitive weight-lifting at a meet last weekend in Aurora.
Admittedly burned out on gymnastics, he quit his club team and lifted five or six times a week after the high school season ended last spring.
“I didn’t work on gymnastics at all,” Van Leer said. “I put on 10 or 12 pounds and I’ve had to adjust to my new body for gymnastics. I just needed a break from gymnastics, and it’s definitely been helpful for me to have something else to focus on.
“At State, I’ll just do what I can and the rest will take care of itself. Since I didn’t do much in the off-season I probably won’t finish as high up as I might have, but I’m just going to focus on trying to hit all six of my routines and not on my placement.”
Van Leer’s interest in lifting began in the ETHS weight room, where strength coach Mark Feldner guides all of the school’s athletes in sport-specific PE programs.
“Weight lifting isn’t super prevalent in the gymnastics culture. It’s uncommon for guys even at the elite level,” Van Leer said. “But I found that I really liked it. I did put some muscle on my legs and I’ve found that it’s helped me be more explosive with my landings on both floor and vault, too.”
He plans to pursue that sport further after winning a state championship at a meet sponsored by the USA Weight Lifting Association. His state title doesn’t come with an asterisk, although he’ll admit somewhat sheepishly that there were only two others in his age and weight category at the competition.
“It’s a numbers sport, just like gymnastics, but there’s no judging. It’s objective, and you either put that 100 kilos over your head, or you don’t,” noted the ETHS senior. “That’s one thing I like about it.”
At the sectional, medals were handed out to the top five placers in each event. Evanston’s medal haul included Potter and Schlack, who tied for fourth on vault at 8.65; and Potter, fourth on pommel horse at 7.95.
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Paul Pitches Like An Ace In Wildkit Win
patch.comhttps://patch.com/illinois/evanston/paul-pitches-ace-wildkit-win
Sophomore Stops Glenbrook South, 5-1Evanston baseball fans can’t wait for an “ace” to emerge on a young and untested pitching staff.It might not happen this spring --- and it might not really be that important.But Elliot Paul took a big step toward assuming that role for the up-and-down Wildkits Monday afternoon in Glenview.The sophomore right-hander hurled five scoreless innings and helped the Kits climb out of the Central Suburban League South division cellar in a 5-1 victory at Glenbrook Sou...
Sophomore Stops Glenbrook South, 5-1
Evanston baseball fans can’t wait for an “ace” to emerge on a young and untested pitching staff.
It might not happen this spring --- and it might not really be that important.
But Elliot Paul took a big step toward assuming that role for the up-and-down Wildkits Monday afternoon in Glenview.
The sophomore right-hander hurled five scoreless innings and helped the Kits climb out of the Central Suburban League South division cellar in a 5-1 victory at Glenbrook South.
Paul, who was facing freshmen hitters a year ago at this time, tamed the Titans by yielding just two hits in his mound stint while striking out six. Evanston improved to 12-11 on the season and 4-6 in league play, one game ahead of GBS in the standings.
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The two teams resume the best-of-three series Tuesday at Evanston and will return to Glenview for the finale on Thursday.
In the past, with a Tuesday-Thursday conference schedule of games, most teams employed their No. 1 pitchers in the Tuesday contest. That pattern hasn’t necessarily followed under the new best-of-three format, but Paul has started Evanston’s Monday matchups in CSL South play against New Trier, Deerfield and Glenbrook North prior to the trip to Glenbrook South.
And he found a comfort zone on the mound Monday while making GBS hitters uncomfortable at the plate.
“Today I just really felt comfortable, and in my rhythm, out there,” Paul said. “And the whole team did a really good job of backing me up.
“I’ve thought a lot about how I have to attack hitters and how I have to trust my infield. With more (varsity) starts now I’ve been building up toward this. The first couple of games I pitched, I got a little nervous when I saw all these big guys (at the plate). But over time I’ve come to realize that I’m better than they are, that I can compete with anybody.
“My fastball was really there today. I was able to spot it up on the outside corner a lot.”
Paul earned his fifth victory of the spring, tops on the staff, by efficiently mowing down the Titans (9-17 overall, 3-7 CSL South). He only required 59 pitches through the first five frames and South’s only baserunners came on an infield hit by Evan Bonnell in the third inning and a walk to Anthony Nottage with one out in the fourth.
But when Paul hit Kevin Garden with a pitch on a 3-1 count leading off the sixth, and James Dooman reached on an error, Paul only lasted one more batter before ETHS head coach Frank Consiglio decided to turn to his bullpen.
Reliever Zach Bachochin pitched out of bases-loaded jams in the sixth and seventh to earn the save. He allowed three infield hits, two walks and hit a batter before nailing down the victory.
Consiglio’s not ready to describe Paul as his “ace” --- not yet, anyway.
“To be that, you have to be able to finish off a (seven inning) game,” pointed out the veteran coach. “That’s the next step for a young pitcher, to finish off a 90-pitch game and dominate the other team.
“That will just take time for Elliot. He was really tremendous for us today. That was his best outing of the year. He’s been good all year, but No. 1, we’ve tightened up our defense behind him, and that’s important because any young pitcher will struggle when you’re not making plays behind him.
“No. 2, he’s been consistently up in the strike zone and you can’t do that against varsity hitters. You can get away with it at the freshman level, but he had to make the adjustment to start pitching at the bottom of the zone. That’s the adjustment that has turned him from a good pitcher into a front-of-the-rotation pitcher. It wasn’t about the pitch count when I took him out. When you’re starting to lose your location late in the game, that can affect you.”
Consiglio has resisted ranking his starting pitchers in any kind of order in the past, even when it seems obvious to the casual fan. It might be a point of pride to be considered No. 1, but Paul already seems wise beyond his years while still remaining a competitor on the mound.
“I was a little surprised when Coach took me out, but I knew Zach or whoever would come after me would have my back,” Paul added. “I’m just a starter, not the No. 1 guy. Johnny Kellams and Owen Vander Velde are great pitchers, too. Ace is just a word, that’s all.”
On offense, the Wildkits scratched out runs in the third, fourth and fifth frames to pin the loss on South righty Roger Niedermaier, whose father Brad was a star pitcher at Niles West in the 1990s.
Every Evanston starter except Cole Vander Velde reached base at least once, and Vander Velde was robbed of an extra base hit because of a spectacular catch deep in right center by South’s Bonnell for the final out of the third inning. But the Kits still scored twice in that frame thanks to an RBI single by Ryan Rappoport and Aaron Shalin’s double down the left field line that plated Rappoport.
In the fourth, Tate Schroeder (2-for-3, RBI, run scored) drove in a run with a successful squeeze bunt. The visitors added some insurance in the fifth when Owen Vander Velde drew a leadoff walk that knocked starter Niedermaier out of the game.
Vander Velde stole second and third and came around to score on a throwing error. And Avan Teuer earned the final RBI by beating out a two-out grounder to shortstop that scored pinch-runner Dion Lane Jr.
Bachochin rapped a pair of singles as part of Evanston’s nine-hit attack.
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