Name: Koby Turrentine
Year: senior
Hometown: Clarendon Hills
When did you start in gymnastics?
I did it for a little while when I was 5 or 6. But I started really doing gymnastics my freshman year.
What attracted you to it?
My friend did it his freshman year and always had fun. I tried it and I just fell in love with it.
What do you enjoy about it?
I think it's the feeling of being able to do things that aren't normal and that I think are really cool and really hard to do. I remember when I learned to do a backflip. It took me about 10 minutes. That's when i realized, "Oh, this is fun!"
Have you developed since freshman year?
I think I've become more aggressive. Before I wasn't putting in the effort that was required. I was hoping that it would go well. Also, as a leader, I'm trying to keep everyone in line so they can hit their routines.
How would your teammates describe you?
Hopefully funny and handsome.
How do you lead as a senior?
When my teammates are struggling, I try to help them as best I can. I tell them to show me the trick they just learned or the first trick of their routine or something like that to get them focused.
What does it take to excel?
You have to be very calm and somewhat in the moment, but also aggressive. It's a balance.
What other Central activities are you involved in?
I'm on the wrestling team, too.
What do you do for fun?
I like to play music, mainly guitar, drums, bass, piano, ukulele. I play with my buddies.
Any special talents?
I can play the guitar behind my head.
What's your post-graduation plan?
I'm probably gong to go to C.O.D. and kind of figure it out from there. I want to visit the Central gymnastics team during the season as much as I can, just to check in.
Why does coach CJ Johnson like having Turrentine on the team?
He's an individual that is a good pommel horse man. It's his best event. He is a definite counter for our team score. He will be missed upon his graduation.
- profile by Ken Knutson, photo by Jim Slonoff
