The Events   

Vault

This could be the Gophers most improved event this season. In spite of the loss of Lim, who came in with a 10.0 SV vault, the Gophers are looking at four possible 10.0 SVs on the event. Norman's Phelps and Dixon's piked front 1/2 are back from last year, while Kelley's piked front 1/2 and Caroline Yernberg's layout tsuk full are expected to be added to the lineup. Beuckens, Skokut, Laatsch and Schroeder are also expected to be in the mix with 9.9 SV vaults.

Bars

According to the coaching staff, the Gophers have made strides to have two major releases and a major dismount in each routine. The loss of Christensen on this event will have some impact, but Minnesota is training full-ins by four athletes, and Laatsch and Skokut are looking to add that dismount to high-scoring sets from their frosh campaigns.  Kelley has a reworked set, while Watson, Beuckens, Dixon, and Opsahl all saw competition time last year. Alf could also be seen on this event, having put together a 10.0 SV set in the off season.

Beam

Consistency will be the major theme this year for the Gophers on this event. Falls cost the team at times last year, although things were sorted out by regionals. This is Alf's best event, and she and Kelley anchored the beam lineup last year. Skokut, Laatsch and Opsahl all saw time as frosh, while Christensen and Watson are described as much improved on the event. Beuckens has been a starter since her frosh year, and frosh Yunker and Hortsch could also fit into the lineup here.

Floor

The event with the best depth is also the biggest tossup for the Gophers. According to Jim Stephenson, "you could put 11 of those names in a hat, and pull out names." As a whole, the team will have upgraded tumbling. Kelley's new set is expected to be a crowd pleaser, as is a new Spanish set from Alf. Christensen, Dixon, and Schroeder all have new music, while Beuckens and Norman will compete dynamic routines from last year. Laatsch and Opsahl saw extensive time on the event as frosh, while Skokut is hoping to break into the lineup after an ankle injury hampered her last year.

The "presentation" element is something the Minnesota staff has prided themselves in for years. Jim Stephenson calls it recruiting for "The Look," while Meg Stephenson says they never forget it is "artistic gymnastics."

"We definitely focus on the fact it's an artistic sport," Meg says. "We take great pride in that."  

Adds Jim, "When you watch Minnesota gymnastics, you see beautiful gymnastics."

Now the goal is to get as many people to see the Gophers as possible...on a national stage.

Kylen can be reached at Kylen@collegegymfans.com