The Season Thus Far:  January Recap  

It's now February and our first five weeks of competition have been completed!  Already, some early trends are emerging, factors that will shape the competitive landscape in the months to come.  Unfortunately, injuries have played the role of "X Factor" and have impacted some of the stars of the sport.  From early results, it appears some teams throughout the country are poised for a breakout seasons as team records fell by the handfuls in the first weeks of the season.  Its still a long road to Lincoln, and anything can happen between now and April.  The top of the leader board is certainly filled with familiar names, as expected, even if injuries have played an early role.

1. 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 Jeana Rice has led the way for the Crimson Tide.  However, Bama has also been hit by the injury bug and extended injury recoveries, most recently with frosh standout Ashley Miles (knee).  However, in the early going, the top of the rankings have been extremely dynamic and we may see the lead change hands even prior to the switch to the RQS rankings in late February.  But come April, you can bet the Tide will be in full force for the post season.  Time and experience especially favors young teams that are still adjusting to the NCAA and college life.

2.  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 smaller but highly experienced squad, the Huskers have remained relatively injury free.  Richelle Simpson has never looked better, with dynamic tumbling, a new vault, and a collection of 10.0s to her credit.  Transfer Tiffany Byrd has also 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.  For example, the Huskers have a remarkable eight 10.0 SV vaults to choose from in the early season.

3.  UCLA:  UCLA has shuffled lineups throughout the year, as the strain of injury and the desire to rest certain athletes have taken a toll.  Jamie Dantzscher has battled through a series of ankle problems to post impressive early season results.  Frosh Kate Richardson has shown little effects of a "freshman adjustment" period to post 10.0s and a 39.75 AA tally.  Of the returners, Jeannette Antolin has made a strong early impression, stepping up to an AA slot when needed.  Injuries will prevent the return of Kristen Maloney this season, and have limited the role thus far of Holly Murdock and Alyssa Beckerman.  Even with these injuries, the Bruins are still capable of fielding a virtual national team of All-Arounders.

4.  Utah:  The Utah Utes eased into the season with a solid core of returners who have led the way for a series of newcomers forced into early action.  Star Theresa Kulikowski has battled injury, most recently a rib problem that may limit her to BB and UB for the rest of the season.  Unfazed by the problems, Melissa Vituj has stepped into the lead all arounder role, supported by a powerful Annabeth Eberle.  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.  With international gymnasts like frosh Dominique D'Oliveira and Gabi Onodi yet to debut, look for the Utes to continue to grow stronger.

5.  Georgia:  Coach Suzanne Yoculan has certainly faced her share of injury challenges.  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 broken 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 have continued to star while others, like Chelsa Byrd, have experienced breakout seasons.  As the season wears on, the injuries will heal and the frosh will adjust.