In "routines returning" column, we have estimated the number of routines returning, based on the lineups for the last competition of the 2012-2013 season.  To get an idea of the distribution of the losses, we've noted the number of departing athletes per event.  This list is not final; transfers and pre-season retirements could impact the final tallies.  All statistics are from official school sites or NCAA.com.

Statistically, you might expect a quarter of all routines to come from any given class.  But in NCAA gymnastics, in spite of the wear and tear of years of training, experience does count.  Thus, the starting lineup of many teams is often filled with upperclassmen, especially on high pressure events like balance beam.  In the table below, we've highlighted teams in with the color RED where the losses hit 9 or more routines (out of 24) OR where losses in any given event run more than three.  In contrast, we've highlighted teams with 3 or fewer losses (out of 24) in GREEN.  This rough measure shows where the teams have the most capability to replace, and where others will just add to their depth and experience when the newcomers join the rosters this fall.

Some teams are adept at "reloading" and will simply rely on talented incoming classes or their depth to cover their losses.  For teams on the fringe of qualifying to Nationals or the Super Six, this can be a difference maker.  We'll see how the Incoming Classes stack up in our annual ranking, as the season approaches.  And, later this fall we'll do a short preview of the incoming classes for the top returning teams.