Florida just missed the 197 mark in their season opener, as both teams avoided a major mistake. Gator Ashanee Dickerson was dominant, winning VT, BB, FX and the AA (39.55). Right behind her was frosh Alaina Johnson, who won UB and posted a 39.425 in her debut.
Link: NU Release
Michigan won their opening quad, led by senior Kylee Botterman's 39.4 AA win. Botterman also won VT and BB. Teammate Sarah Curtis tied with Michigan State's Jackie Berg for the UB title. On FX, Wolverine Natalie Beilstein tied with Iowa's Rebecca Simbhudas for the win.
Link: MSU Release
MSU has released an update on Kathryn Mahoney, who injured her spine last week during training. She has been transferred out of the Neuro ICU and into a rehabilitation center closer to her home. There is an address to send cards, and an address to send a donation to her recovery expense fund.
Link: MSU Release
Fans and athletes alike can benefit from checking out the new videos and scripts released online by the National Association of Women's Gymnastics Judges (NAWGJ) and the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches - Women (NACGC-W). "Armchair" judges can test their knowledge of the code, and everyone can benefit by learning more about how routines can be evaluated.
We've brought back the strength of schedule analysis for 2011. Each year, we've calculated the relative strength of the schedule (relative schedule difficulty) for the Top 10 Teams, as determined by the Preseason Coaches' Poll. Read on to find out who has the toughest schedule.
Lauren Rose reportedly will graduate early and enroll in Florida for January. The L10 trains at Orlando Metro. In 2010, she placed 5th AA, 3rd UB and 4th on VT at the Region VIII L10 Regionals. She also placed 39th AA at the 2009 JO Nationals.
Link: YouTube.com Channel
Several newcomers have joined teams in time for the start of the season in January. At Bama, as expected, Diandra Milliner has joined the squad.
At OU, Hayden Ward and Madison Mooring are both set to compete this season. Although Ward's early start was originally announced, Mooring was also able to join the squad early.
And at TWU, Bethany Larimer has joined the squad, after starting at Kentucky in the Fall of 2009 and then transferring to Collin County Junior College. Additional January starts will be posted as they are confirmed.
Brittany Ekstedt, a Canadian National Open gymnast who trained at Champion, will join EMU for the January semester. At the 2010 Canadian Championships, she finished 7th AA and 1st on UB in the National Open, 16+ division.
Link: EMU Release and YouTube.com Channel
USA Gymnastics has issued a letter urging members and fans of the sport to make pledges to Cal Gymnastics Forever. In September, Cal announced the elimination of the Men's and Women's Gymnastics Program. In order to save the programs, a long term financial plan must be put in place to support gymnastics, rugby, women's lacrosse and baseball. A coordinated plan to raise $12.5M has been put in place, with over $10M already raised by the other sports. The Cal gymnastics program is targeting $1M towards that total, an amount they will have until January 31st to raise. Make your pledge or help spread the word today.
Link: USAG Letter and Cal Gymnastics Forever Website
Elaina Cammarata has received an appointment with the Air Force Academy and will compete for them next season (Note: all appointments receive scholarships, so an NLI is not signed). She is a L10 at Trinity. As a L9 last season at Crystal Lake, she finished 12th AA at the 2010 Region V L10 Regionals.
Link: Article