The Season Thus Far:  Mid Season Recap  

It's now March and our first eight weeks of competition have been completed!  This week, the national rankings have switched to the Regional Qualifying Score (RQS).  In this format, the top three away scores for each team are kept, along with the next three highest scores (home or away).  The high score is discarded and the remaining five are averaged to arrive at the RQS.  As the name implies, the RQS is used for seeding and qualification into the Regional meets.  More on this later; let's first examine the season to date.

Unfortunately, injuries have played the role of "X Factor" in the rankings and have impacted some of the stars of the sport.  From early results, some teams have experienced vast improvement from last season and have shot up the rankings.  All in all, the Top 25 show evidence of the growing parity and influx of talent throughout the NCAA.  In the early going, team records fell by the handfuls in the first weeks of the season.  Since then, things have calmed down a bit as teams add difficulty and battle mid-season fatigue.  

These first rankings by RQS give us an early glimpse at the post season.  However, these rankings can change dramatically over the next several weeks.  Because of the importance of seeding to some teams, in particular the host schools, the battle for the top spots will get interesting.  And of course, the top of the leader board is certainly filled with familiar names, as expected, even if injuries have played an early role.  Let's take a look at the initial Top 12, our current leaders in the road to Lincoln.

1. UCLA:  With the switch to rankings by RQS, UCLA has shot to the top of the rankings.  UCLA has shuffled lineups throughout the year, as the strain of injury and the desire to rest certain athletes have taken a toll.  Nevertheless, the Bruins have produced results consistent with their Pre Season Rank.  Jamie Dantzscher has battled through a series of ankle problems to post impressive early season results, continuing her Championship form from last season.  Frosh Kate Richardson (BB: aerial, aerial, Korbut; FX:  double layout) has shown little effects of a "freshman adjustment" period to post 10.0s and to lead the nation in the All-Around.  Former NCAA co-champ Onnie Willis has shrugged off pain to garner the number 2 national rank in the AA.  Of the returners, Jeannette Antolin (V:  Yurch. LO full BB:  Kochetkova) has made a strong early impression, stepping up to an AA slot when needed.  Injuries have taken their toll this season, limiting or preventing the contributions of Alyssa Beckerman, Kristen Maloney, Holly Murdock and Doni Thompson.  Even with these injuries, the Bruins are still capable of fielding a virtual national team of All-Arounders.

2.  Alabama:  Alabama's coaching staff has gently nursed a young and extremely talented squad to the number one position.  However, with all teams, an experienced core is what counts the most in the early going and jr. Jeana Rice and sr. Kristen Sterner have led the way for the Crimson Tide.  Rice has been especially impressive in the first half, with always great UB work (inverts, Tkachev) and BB sets (bhs, lo, lo).   However, Bama has also been hit by the injury bug and extended injury recoveries, most recently with frosh standouts Mari-Christine Bayer and Ashley Miles (knee) and super soph Alexis Brion.  Bayer, Miles and Brion are on the recovery path, however, and will provided a 2nd half boost to the Tide.  Even without those three, a large a talented array of sophomores and freshman have stepped up in larger roles.  Despite some dual meet losses in the near term, come April, you can bet the Tide will be in full force.  Additional time and experience especially favor young teams that are still adjusting to the NCAA and college life.

3.  Nebraska:  With experience, discipline and talent, Nebraska has stormed their way to the top of the rankings.  Undoubtably this team is focused on maintaining their momentum, and is clearly aiming for a National Title at home.  With a relatively small but highly experienced squad, the Huskers have remained relatively injury free (Tiffany Byrd's recent hip problem not withstanding).  Richelle Simpson has never looked better, with dynamic tumbling (double layout mount, whip to double pike dismount), a new vault (Yurchenko LO Full), and a collection of 10.0s to her credit.  The soph. transfer Tiffany Byrd has made an immediate impact, joining AJ Lamb and Tami Harris as AA threats.  All of the Huskers have stepped up as a focused group, targeting the home town championship.  A cohesive core of seniors and juniors have formed an experienced group that has made improvements every year of their NCAA careers.  For example, the Huskers had a remarkable eight 10.0 SV vaults to choose from in the early season.

4.  ASU:  ASU has rebounded from last season's effort to rocket to the number #4 slot.  One of the first teams to break the 197 barrier in home and away meets, the Sun Devils have posted some remarkable efforts so far.  Key for this team have been career best performances by Ashley Ellsberry and Maggie Germaine, combining with elite frosh Ashley Kelly in AA roles.  Ellsberry looks especially sharp in her senior season, putting behind past injury to post some perfect results and top skills (BB:  bhs, lo, bhs, lo).  Junior Germaine has extended the promise of her freshman season to new heights (no pun intended on her long, elegant 5'8" lines).  BB has been especially strong, with the team posting an amazing 49.875 against UCLA.  ASU continues a tradition of strong FX routines as well, including athletes like sr. Cassidy Vreeke (BB:  tuck full) and so. Kari Muth.  ASU will look to continue to improve as the post season approaches, and as athletes continue to heal from past injuries.  They especially look forward to a late season boost to elite frosh Tiffany Van Dusen's debut, who reportedly debuted on FX this past weekend..  

5.  Utah:  The Utah Utes exploded into the season with a solid core of returners who have guided the way for a series of newcomers forced into early action.  Star Theresa Kulikowski has unfortunately battled injury throughout her career, and this fifth season has been no different.  Most recently a rib problem has mostly limited her from vault, and may prohibit an AA return.  Unfazed by the problems, Melissa Vituj has stepped into the lead all arounder role, supported by a powerful Annabeth Eberle.  Vituj's expressive floor (triple twist) is a highlight of any meet.  As has happened in the past, the Ute upper class, in particular Kim Allan, have responded with some of the best gymnastics of their careers.  The Utes have suffered with some injury-induced depth problems, and the recent exit of the injured Crystal Gilmore.  And, a string of away and home losses have been caused, in part, to a series of uncharacteristic falls.  The Utes have suffered an amazing three home losses this year, following a record setting string of 170 home dual meet victories.  But with international gymnasts like frosh Dominique D'Oliveira and Gabi Onodi beginning their Ute debuts, look for Marden's crew to continue to grow stronger.

6. Florida:  Under the leadership of new Head Coach Rhonda Faehn, the Florida Gators have fulfilled the promise of a very talented roster.  With solid defeats of top teams like Bama (twice), the Gators have shown the ability from the outset to hit their routines consistently.  Led by energetic sophomore Orley Szmuch (UB:  Gienger between bars; BB:  hs stepdown to lo, lo and double tuck dismount ) and improved sr. Lindsey Miner (V: pike front 1/2), the Gators have been turning heads since the start of the season.   In fact, improved is probably redundant when referring to these athletes.  Kristen Stucky has returned from a series of seven, yes seven, knee operations to post impressive results and skills (BB; bhs, Onodi).  Erinn Dooley has shown the type of form that made her a top elite a few years back, and Kara Waterhouse (BB: bhs, lo, lo and double tuck dismount) has proven to be a consistent third all-arounder.  Heading into the post season, vault will be a focus for UF, as the team works to add additional tenths to already impressive team totals.

7.  Georgia:  Coach Suzanne Yoculan has certainly faced her share of injury challenges this season, leaving the GymDawgs temporarily in the 7th position (also due to a limited number of away meets in the first half).  First, Marline Stephens went down with an Achilles tear during fall training.  Then, throughout January, various gymnasts have suffered injuries ranging from ankle sprains to dislocated ribs.  At one point in the season, UGA had trouble fielding six gymnasts per event.  But in the end, its what you do in April that counts, and you can bet all the GymDawgs will be ready for Lincoln.  In the meantime, gymnasts like Cory Fritzinger (UB:  Ono turn; BB:  first 10.0) have continued to star while others, like Chelsa Byrd (UB:  Shaposhnikova, Tkachev; FX: whip to full in), have experienced breakout seasons.  Battling back from injury, Sierra Sapunar and Kinsey Rowe have put up big numbers.  As the season wears on, the injuries will continue to heal and the frosh will adjust as they rotate in and out of the lineup.  Already, Jamie Ackerman (FX: double layout), Marie Fjordholm (FX: double layout), Ashley Miller (V:  Layout Yurchenko Full), and Brittany Smith (BB: bhs, tuck full) have shone in various situations.

8. Stanford:  Stanford has quietly built upon a solid start to move their way up the rankings.   They have combined the heart of their Super Six team from last year and blended it with some standout performances from their freshman.  Lise Leveille has emerged with a new vault (Yurchenko LO Full) and upgraded skills (double pike off BB) to lead the Cardinal in the AA (#5 Nationally).  Lindsay Wing has continued to impress, especially on BB (ff, lo, Korbut) and her ever-improving UB set.  Caroline Fluhrer, Kendall Beck and Shelly Goldberg have combined to contribute on an array of events.  All three frosh have made strong impressions thus far, especially Natalie Foley and Glyn Sweets.  Foley has hit a 39.725 season high AA total, with standout routines on every event (UB:  Shushunova and Shaposhnikova to overshoot hs; FX:  full-in).  Sweets has been a regular fixture of the vault (Hristakaeva) and UB lineups (Shaposhnikova, Tkachev, excellent Stalder work), while working into an AA role.  With an experienced core, and freshman who are rapidly adjusting, Stanford looks to continue to improve into the post-season.     

9:  Oregon State:  Oregon State performance so far has caused some to dub this year's team the "Giant Killers".  The appellation recalls the famous 1967 OSU Football Squad that knocked off a variety of top ranked opponents.  After home victories this year against UCLA, Utah and ASU, the team has certainly earned the comparison.  OSU has also gotten it done on the road, starting from beginning of the year.  Despite the loss of top all-arounder Annie Campbell (torn Achilles retorn last July), the Beavers have shown the tenacity to push aside the loss of their star.  They have done it with depth and consistency, and step-up performances from the likes of All-Arounders Lindsay Nelson (UB:  full twisting double layout) and Tanya Ricioli (UB:  great invert work).  The entire sophomore class has also shown the type of improvement and increased contribution that one comes to expect from OSU squads.  The Beaver frosh, led by Angela Morales and Chrissy Lamun, have played a major role already.  Finally, one standout remains lone sr. Elizabeth Jillson, who has continued to shine on UB (Shaposhnikova, Pike Jaeger, double layout).  

10:  Michigan:  After missing the Super Six last season, Michigan has struggled with an amazing array of injuries and other losses.  In fact, in recent meets, Michigan has had as few as six scholarship athletes competing.  Primary in these losses is former NCAA AA co-champ and Olympian Elise Ray, who may be unable to return this season.  In her place, the Wolverines have been buoyed by the continued strength of jr. Calli Ryals, sr. Janessa Grieco, and so. Chelsea Kroll.  Ryals continues to impress, switching to a new vault (Yurchenko LO full) and delighting audiences in the FX (2 1/2 twist punch front).  Another big performer for Michigan has been fab frosh Jenny Deiley.  Deiley has stepped up from the outset, with great lines and good skills, but in particular on FX (whip to double tuck).  Not to be forgotten is frosh Becca Clausen, who has also exceeded first year expectations with strong performances overall, but especially on FX (full-in).  Michigan is usually a slow starting team, and even with the limited numbers the Wolverines have continued to rise every week through the season.

11:  Auburn:  Auburn has rebounded from various losses, including an injury-plagued 2002, to exceed all expectations.  Perhaps the nation's most improved team (in terms of National rank), the Tigers have shown a consistency that reflects an obvious focus for the team.  Former walkon Kayce Stein, and standout Courtney Puckett have led the way in the AA.  Both sophomores, they have overcome injury to consistently shine for Coach Thompson.  To reduce the risk of re-injury, Stein doesn't even do a back handspring on FX, tumbling instead directly from a roundoff (to 2 1/2 twist) or from front handsprings.  Seniors Mary Nell Pate and Cheryl Lancaster, along with jr. Kristi Boyte (V: pike front 1/2) provide experience as well as top scores.  Pate is powerful, especially on FX (whip immediate double tuck) while Lancaster is elegant and has outstanding toe-point.  Finally, frosh Natica Johnson and Danielle Holtz have contributed strongly in the early going, stepping up immediately.  In constrast, some of the more widely known elite athletes in past recruiting classes have been limited by injury or are no longer competing.

12:  Washington:  Washington is another team that was plagued by injury in 2002.  Injury problems remain in 2003, most notably in the recent loss of co-captain Molly Seaman to re-injury and the loss and limitations of others.  Boucing back strongly, Washington has battled inconsistency on the road in their quest for a Nationals slot. On the bubble, the Huskies would like to retain a top 12 seed to maintain a strong advantage heading in Regionals.  As one of the six regional hosts, the team realizes that familiar equipment and the lack of travel can give an extra edge in the pressure filled big meet.  Five Huskies have seen AA action, led by jr. Emily Pritchard, so. Carly Dockendorf, and frosh Kelly McDonald.  Dockendorf has been on a tear of late, overcoming issues on the BB to shine, especially on UB (elgrip to Pike Jaeger) and FX (double arabian).  McDonald has turned heads with beautiful lines and execution and top level skills (UB:  double front 1/2; double back dismounts on BB and FX). Finally, sr. Stacy Wong, despite being limited to V and BB, has shown even better routines than in her outstanding 2001 season.