The NCAA Division I Council officially adopted a resolution to allow all Division I Winter sports athletes an additional year of eligibility, regardless if they compete this season or not. If implemented in the same fashion as the waivers granted to 2020 spring and fall athletes, those seniors that return next year won't count against their school's scholarship limits in 2021-2022. The additional year and scholarship are not guaranteed. They are up to the school's choice, and likely dictated by budget. If implemented the same as the rule in Division II, it appears that the relaxation of the scholarship limits does not apply to a senior that transfers schools for supplemental year of eligibility in 2021-2022.
Links: ESPN and NCAA Release
Sadly, despite a strong case, the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota voted to cut Men's gymnastics, indoor track and field and tennis. The motion passed by a 7 to 5 vote. The Men's program had developed a counter proposal that showed a path to self-funding and the addition of a new women's sports paid for through a public club program. Originally, the University had been expecting up to a $70M shortfall in their budget. After the resumption of football, this deficit has been cut down to $30M. Despite this positive changes, these thee sports were not spared. Men's outdoor track and field has survived and roster cuts to other sports have been planned, but not finalized. These cuts on the women's side may be lessened with the decision to save men's outdoor track and field.
Link: MN Daily
UAA needs to raise $888K by February 15th, 2021 in order to save their program. Please see the link below for ways you can donate or pledge.
Link: GoFundMe
The NCAA Committee has released the Women's NCAA Code Modifications for 2020-2021. Read below for the rules changes this season. ** Spoiler alert -- they are minor **
Canadian World Championship medalist Ana Pandurariu, who was set to start her frosh year at UCLA, has elected to defer until 2021-2022 and focus on her Olympic training.
Link: Instagram
Canadian Annie Clarmo has committed to compete for UW La Crosse in 2021-2022. She's a Canadian L10 from Revolution Gymnastics. This past spring, she placed 8th AA at the International Gymnix meet.
Sidney Washington, a L10 at Gym America, has committed to Pitt for 2021-2022. In 2019, she placed 5th AA, 7th(t) on BB and 9th(t) on FX at the Level 10 Junior Olympic Nationals. This past season, she won the AA titles in her sessions at the Tim Rand Invitational, Tampa Bay Turners Invite, Wolverine Classic and Gymnastics on the Grand.
Link: Personal Website and Videos
On September 11th, 2001, Mari-Rae Sopper was on her way to California, ready to start her job as Head Coach of the women's team at UC Santa Barbara. Sopper, a former standout at Iowa State, was known as "ISUFan" on the College Gymnastics Board. She had given up her job as a Navy JAG Corp lawyer to pursue her dream, and to help save the program at UCSB. She lost her life during the events of that fateful day as the plane she was on was deliberately crashed into the Pentagon. We pause to remember her spirit and dedication to the sport, and her inspiring effort to pursue her dreams, as well as the others who lost their lives that fateful day.
SCSU has hired Byron Knox as their new Head Coach. Know was the Head Coach at Bridgeport for the last 16 seasons, and led the squad to six straight USA Gymnastics National titles. He was a gymnast on SCSU's Men's team, a member of the US National team and coached at SCSU and Yale. Bridgeport faces some uncertainty as the university has been acquired. A number of gymnasts have transferred during the off-season.
Link: Release
The financial aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis have put athletics departments across the country under financial distress. Already, schools have announced cuts to their Gymnastics programs. Men are especially at risk with the loss of critical mass that could lead to the extinction of the sport in the NCAA. Here's the running list, one that we hope remains at five or less: