Dayton City Championships
Where: Miamisburg High School, 1860 Belvo Road
When: 10 a.m. Saturday
Time: 10 a.m.
Teams: Alter, Beavercreek, Centerville, Graham, Kenton Ridge, Miamisburg, Troy, Northmont, Stebbins, Tecumseh
Admission: $6 adults, $4 children
BEAVERCREEK —Megan Gill makes it look easy; it’s anything but.
The Beavercreek High School senior captured the all-around titles at the Centerville, Lakota East and Anderson gymnastics invitationals. Beavercreek’s team captain, who won the district title in floor and vault last season, has her sights set on a third consecutive state trip.
Her success is in proportion with her effort as the Level 10 gymnast, who maintains a 4.23 GPA, puts in more than 20 hours a week with her club team in addition to her Beavercreek practices. She is dedicated to her sport and teammates.
“She comes into our gym and helps the other girls with their routines,” Beavercreek coach Rick Reedy said. “She is such a hard worker.”
The Beavercreek senior hopes her hard work pays off Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Dayton City Championships.
A little fighter
Gill was just 3 when her parents were told that what was originally thought to be a virus was actually acute lymphocytic leukemia, a type of blood cancer.
“You can’t imagine how shocking that was,” her father, Kirk Gill, said. “It was devastating. When we were taking her to the hospital, we honestly didn’t know if we’d ever bring her home.”
The resilient little girl endured 20 months of chemotherapy and at least a dozen painful spinal taps.
“I remember a few treatments and one spinal tap in particular, that was probably the most traumatizing thing,” she said.
While she undergoes testing every two years, she has been cancer free for the past 12 years. Although Gill remembers little about the two-year ordeal, it left an indelible impression.
“I learned that you can’t make excuses for yourself,” she said. “You can’t sit and let something or someone control your life, you have to fight for what you want.”
A big reward
Gill wanted to continue her gymnastics career in college. She poured over hours of video, selecting the best routines, creating a compilation tape and sending it to 16 schools. But there were many rejection letters and messages that went unanswered. Then there was a bite — Michigan State was interested.
“It’s really exciting, they actually looked at me and didn’t toss me aside,” she said.
Gill secured a walk-on position for this fall.
But first, Gill wants to finish her high school career with a trip to the state podium.
“Last year, I was less than a tenth of a point from a sixth-place finish on vault so, this year, I definitely want to bring home a medal.”
About the Author