Danell Leyva powered to the lead after Day 1 at the Men's US Olympic Trials. John Orozco is 2nd, and Michigan's Sam Mikulak is third. Mikulak actually posted the day's highest AA tally, further bolstering his chances to be included on the squad. Former Sooner Jonathan Horton was fourth, just ahead of OU's Jake Dalton in 5th. Another former Sooner, Chris Brooks, is in 6th, with former Illini Paul Ruggeri in 7th. Former Cal gymnast Glen Ishino was 8th. Former OU star Steve Legendre had a strong day for 9th, as did Illini CJ Maestas.
But, with five strong AAers (including a solid top three), the contenders all sought to impress on their best events, in particular the pommel horse and Rings. On PH, former OU star Alex Naddour turned in the day's best score by 1.05 over the lowest score among the top three AAers. Dalton and Legendre each excelled on Floor and Vault, each posting big scores 16+ scores that would contribute to the team total. And vet Horton posted the 2nd highest score on rings, as did former Ohio State star Brandon Wynn.
Canada has named their Women's Olympic squad, and it includes several gymnasts with ties to the NCAA. Kristina Vaculik of Stanford led the qualification, and UGA incoming frosh Brittany Rogers had a strong Trials to earn an automatic spot. Victoria Moors, Dominique Pegg and Ellie Block complete the squad. LSU incoming frosh Jessica Savona is the first alternate.
Link: Gymn.ca
Paige Urquhart, L10 at Twin City Twisters in Minnesota, has committed to Boise State. This season sheplaced 3rd AA at the 2012 Region 4 Championships and qualified to JO Nationals where she placed 28th AA (12th V).
Claire Hammen, L10 at GK Gymnastics in Colorado, has committed to Denver according to her webmaster. This past season she finished 1st AA and 1st on floor at the WOGA Classic and 1st AA; 1st vault and bars at the Denver Winter Classic.
We finally see an official announcement that Sophia Lee has committed to Stanford. Lee, a former international elite from WOGA, dropped back to Level 10 this past season. She finished 1st AA (1st V/UB/FX) at her 2012 state meet, 3rd AA (1st UB) at regionals and 3rd AA at JOs.
Boise State has confirmed the signing of Molly McFarland for the 2012-2013 season. McFarland's commit was covered in a prior news item.
Link: Boise State Release
Cal has announced that Justin Howell has been promoted to Head Coach. He had been serving as an assistant under Danna Durante, who left to take the Head Coach position at Georgia.
Link: Cal Release
Sydney McEachern, National Open level gymnast at Springers Gymnastics in Winnipeg, Canada, has committed to Eastern Michigan. This season she finished 10th AA at the Gymnix International meet, 7th AA at the Western Canadian Championships, and she competed in the Canadian National Championships.
Maria Hundley has signed with SPU, according to the GNAC. The L10 trains with JET Kids in Colorado and placed 15th AA at the 2012 Region III L10 Regionals.
Link: YouTube.com Channel
Brenna Dowell, elite gymnast from GAGE in Missouri, has reportedly committed to Oklahoma. The national team member recently competed for a 9th place AA finish at the VISA Championships.