Adrian Batista; Head Coach Boys's Gymnastics, Assistant Coach Girl's Gymnastics
Adrian Batista was holding a handstand at the age of 5. Coach B's father was a member of the Cuban National gymnastics Team who competed at the 1955 Pan-American Games, receiving numerous individual and team medals. Coach Batista graduated as Captain of the 1994 Niles West gymnastics team, receiving the Bart Conner Award and All-Conference Award. In 1997, he rejoined the Niles West Gymnastics team as a coach. He coached numerous JV conference champs and JV coach of the year. He continued to lead the Highland Park freshman to a conference championship in 2006, and the Varsity team to 6th in state. In 2010, a guided the Niles North freshman to an undefeated season and a conference championship. Now back with his Alma Mater, he looks to continue the great gymnastics tradition at Niles West.
Steve Foerch; Assistant Coach Boys's Gymnastics:
Steve Foerch began gymnastics before he could walk. Son of legendary Illinois High School Gymnastics Hall of Famer Dick Foerch, Steve competed at Homewood-Flossmoor High School and the University of Kansas. After teaching and coaching at Rich South High School for five years under Coach Nick Katrichis, he moved to Niles West to teach science and learn more about coaching from another legend and Hall of Famer: John Burkel. He took over for Coach Burkel in 1991 and has amassed a record of 82-63. Needless to say, Coach Foerch's success has been a direct result of the tutelage he has received throughout his career. He credits his outstanding assistant coaches as well as his mentors for a successful and fulfilling gymnastics coaching career.
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Ray Payne; Assistant Coach Boy's Gymnastics
Ray Payne is a former gymnast and cheerleader. He was a state qualifier on Floor and Vault. He joined the Niles West Boy's and Girl's teams in 2009. He has become an integral part of this program being one of the best and fastest spotters ever to be a part of our coaching staff.
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Susy Arcus; Head Coach Girls Gymnastics
Pam Foerch; Assistant Coach Girls Gymnastics
Pam Foerch has been Head Coach at Niles West for 15 years. She has been an active coach with multiple Illinois High Schools for over 25 years. She also has worked at the Cindy Kwiek Gymnastics Club for five years, Chicago Park District for 6 years and one year at Olympia Gymnastics. As well, Coach Foerch has actively worked with the Morton Grove gymnastics programs for over 15 years. As a competing gymnast, she was a member of the UIC womens gymnastics team, including the first UIC team to qualify to Division 1 Nationals. She was also the National Tumbling Champion for 4 years.
