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Saturday, 02 March 2013 18:05

Dalton Wins American Cup

Former OU Sooner Jacob Dalton won the 2013 American Cup.  On the women's side, Katelyn Ohashi won the title in her senior debut.

Link:  OU Release

Saturday, 16 February 2013 16:40

SCSU 187.375 at Cortland State 189.15

SUNY-Cortland posted the 2nd best score in school history, led by Sarah Nadrowski's school record AA tally.  She compiled a 38.75.

Link:  Cortland St Release

DU's Jorie Hall won the floor and tied with teammate Nina McGee for the beam title to lead DU to the win.  Teammate Melodie Pulgarin Linero won the AA with a 39.125.  Pioneer Moriah Martin tied with NC State's Diahannah Ham for the vault title.

Link:  SJSU Release

UC Davis edged Air Force and Missouri to score a big quad meet win.  They were paced by Katie Yamamura, who won the AA with a 39.05.  Teammate Michelle Ho tied for the floor title with Air Forces Linnaea Hance.  Missouri's Rachel Updike captured the bars and beam.  For TWU, Bethany Larimer won the vault. 

Link:  UC Davis Release

 

Saturday, 26 January 2013 17:02

Brockport 185.6 at West Chester 187

West Chester defeated Brockport, despite the latter's season high score.  Megan Brannon set a new school record on the bars to lead West Chester to the win. 

Link:  Brockport Release

Saturday, 26 January 2013 16:59

Brown 191.75, Temple 190.225 at UNH 195.65

Austyn Fobes led the UNH Wildcats to a season high score, placing 1st in vault and in the AA (39.175).  Her teammates completed the sweep:  Jen Aucoin on bars, Kayla Gray on beam, and Erin Machado on floor.   

Link:  UNH Release

For the past several seasons, we've made an attempt to rank the incoming classes for teams across the nation.  The task is never easy, and this year is no exception.  For the schools, investing in athletes today is a bit like investing in the stock (or precious metals) market.  With recruiting taking place earlier and earlier, coaches have to become experts at detecting the traits, abilities and characteristics that will produce a championship athlete two, three, and four years down the road (or six, seven and eight by the time they are college seniors!).  So who's class is rated to be the best?  Read on to find the answer...

Tuesday, 01 January 2013 20:22

2013 Capsule Previews: Teams #13 to #25

 

13.  Auburn Tigers

 

14. Ohio State Buckeyes

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Jeff Graba
Assistants: Kurt Hettinger, Jenny Rowland
Starting Routines Returning: 16/24
Returning Starters (7):  Toi Garcia (Sr), Brianna Guy (So), Abbey Habicht (Jr), Caryn Kadous (So), Megan Walker (So), Brittany Webster (So), Petrina Yokay (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (3):  Nicole Galluzo (Jr), Lexus Demers (RS Fr), Kelsey Thomasson (RS Fr)
Graduated (7):  Justine Foster, Karena Kaveh, Laura Lane, Allyson Sandusky, Kendall Schartz, Kylie Shields, Leah Vining
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (5):  Caitlin Atkinson, Arielle Bulls (So/TR from SEMO), Kait Kluz, Kelsey Kopec, Kara Koster
Quick Assessment:  Auburn lost a remarkable seven athletes from a squad that finished just 0.35 away from a spot at Nationals.  However, a strong core of returners, led by super soph Brianna Guy, look to lead this squad to Nationals.  The talented frosh class is highlighted by former elite Atkinson, who is looking outstanding in preseason training.  With strong tumbling and vaulting, the team will look to build consistency as the newcomers gain experience.   

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Carey Fagan
Assistants: William Lorenz, Meredith Yonushonis
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Returning Starters (7):  Victoria Aepli (Jr), Colleen Dean (Sr), Alex DeLuca (Jr), Sarah Grady (So), Alyssa Marohn (Sr), Sarah Miller (Jr), Melanie Shaffer (Jr),
Other/Injured Returners (1):  Taylor Fasel (Jr)
Graduated (4):  Miranda Der, Taylor Jones, Nicole Krauter, Casey Williamson
Other Losses (2):  Alexis Schmidt (?), Morgan Zlotolow (R/Student Coach)
Newcomers (7):  Rachel Abrams, Micaela Cologie, Maggie Dunn, Maddie Herr, Samantha Kent, Audrey Tolbert, Andrea Vazquez

Quick Assessment:  Ohio State not only made Nationals, they placed fourth in their semifinal, showing they can excel under pressure and exceed all expectations.  Despite that strong finish, they were placed just #14 in the Preseason Coaches' Poll.  This is likely due to the loss of the graduated seniors, and how competitive the race for slots for Nationals has become.  The Buckeyes will look to some newcomers to supplement a strong core, as they battle to return to Nationals.

 

 

 

15.  Boise State Broncos

 

16.  Penn State Nittany Lions

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach:  Neil Resnick and Tina Bird
Assistants: Patty Resnick
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Returning Starters (7):  Kelsey Black (Jr), Alessandra Cinfio (Jr), Caitlin Mann (So), Kelsey Morris (So), Amanda Otuafi (Jr), Ciera Perkins (So), Brittany Potvin-Green (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (2):  Cristy Dahlquist (Sr), Erin Wipperman (Sr)
Graduated (3):  Chelsea Apple, Amy Glass, Lindsay Kazandjian
Other Losses (3):  Bekah Gher (?), Hailey Gaspar (Sr/TR to Oregon State), Erica Oswalt (?)

Newcomers (6): Caitlin Fovenyessy, McKenna Hutcheson, Krystine Jacobsen, Maddie Krentz, Molly McFarland, Marissa Wosner
Quick Assessment: 
The Broncos lose six gymnasts from a team that placed 3rd in their tough Regional, one in which both finishers later qualified to the Super Six.  The loss of Glass is the most significant, but all six were potential contributors.  However, 17 routines of 24 return, led by senior Potvin-Green and a trio of strong sophs:  Mann, Morris and Perkins.  Half the beam lineup is gone, and this and UB remain their most challenging events.  The frosh will be expected to step up quickly, challenge for lineups, and fill out the depth chart. 

 

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Jeff Thompson
Associate Head Coach:  Rachelle Thompson
Assistant:  Randy Monahan
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Returning Starters (6):  Lexi Carroll (So), Madison Merriam (Sr), Lindsay Musgrove (Jr), Sharaya Musser (Sr), Kassidy Stauder (Jr), Krystal Welsh (So)
Other/Injured Returners (1
):  Alex Witt (So/I)
Graduated (4):  Whitney Benscko, Natalie Ettl, Daryl Konsevick, Alex Stine
Other Losses (2):  Kristin Blades (?), Stephanie Brock (?)

Newcomers (8):  Taylor Alotta, Alix Faden, Shealyn Farley, Hannah Kobman, Kelsey Kreider, Samantha Musto, Sidney Sanabria-Robles (Jr/TR/LSU), Savannah Soares
Quick Assessment:  PSU is coming off a fourth place finish at Regionals and looks to fill the loss of some top scores and key depth players from last season.  A large incoming class of eight athletes will look to fit the bill, led by Farley.  While they gain experience in the NCAA format, standout Musser will again challenge the best AAers in the NCAA.  She'll be capably supported by AAers Merriam and Welsh, and they'll form a strong latter half of the lineup.  Some key scores from 2012 are missing, so the frosh and other returnees will have to step up.

 

 

 

17.  Washington Huskies

 

18.  Illinois Fighting Illini

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Joanne Bowers
Assistants: David McCreary, Elise Ray
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Returning Starters (6): Paige Bixler (Sr), McKenzie Fechter (So), Madison Podlucky (So), Lauren Rogers (Sr), Aliza Vaccher (Jr), Meg Whitney (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (3):  Jackie McCartin (So), Kylie Sharp (Sr), Phoebe Tham (Sr)
Graduated (4):  Hatsune Akaogi, Amanda Cline, Ruby Engreitz, Anna Epps
Other Losses (2):  Eliza Barach (Fr/Manager), Doris Link (R/TR)
Newcomers (3):  Kiersten Graber, Sheridan Metcalf, Allison Northey
Quick Assessment:  The Huskies once again finished the season just short of Nationals, missing by 0.25 points last year and taking LSU down to the last event.  Gone from that squad were some important senior contributors, especially on UB.  To make it to Nationals, the Huskies will need big contributions from their underclassman, in particular former elite McCartin and frosh Metcalf.  Vaccher is a two-time NCAA AA qualifier and Regional vault champ, and is capably supported by soph standout Fechter.   

 

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Kim Landrus
Associate Head Coach:  Jay Santos
Assistant: Rodney Gust
Starting Routines Returning: 19/24
Returning Starters (7):  Sarah Fiedler (Jr), Elise Gill (Sr), Jaclyn Kantecki (Sr), Elizabeth McNabb (Jr), Jordan Naleway (So), Amber See (Jr), Alina Weinstein (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (5):  Kelsi Eberly (So), Macy Hyatt (Sr), Sunny Kato (So), Nikki McGarel (So), Gabriella Nguyen (So)
Graduated (2):  Kelsey Joannides, Hannah Welker
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (3):  Heather Foley, Tori Fujinami, Giana O'Connor
Quick Assessment:  The Illini are coming off a third place Regional finish in 2012, and are paced by Weinstein and See.  A key loss for the squad is Joannides, a consistent and clean AAer.  In her place, the solid and experienced core will need the underclassmen to step up and fill out spots in the depth chart.  Having the two stars stay healthy will be another key to the squad's success. 

 

 

 

19.  Arizona Wildcats

 

20.  Denver Pioneers

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Head Coach: Bill Ryden
Associate Heach Coach:  John Court
Assistants: Randi (Liljenquist) Acosta
Returning Starters (7):  Aubree Cristello (Sr), Mykle Douglas (Sr), Allison Flores (So), Molly Quirk (Sr), Shana Sangston (Jr), Jordan Williams (Jr), Amber Wobma (So)
Other/Injured Returners (5):   Danielle Buchanan (So), Barbara Donaldson (Jr), Kristin Klarenbach (So), Chelsea Perna (So), Ali Stakem (Jr)
Graduated (4):  Rebecca Cardenas, Deanna Graham, Britnie Jones, Katie Matusik
Other Losses (1):  Ellen Pitluck (R)
Newcomers (4):  Shelby Edwards, Lexi Mills, Jessie Sisler, Krishna Yemany
Quick Assessment:  The Wildcats lose some significant contributors from 2012 but return a strong core, led by AA stars Aubree Cristello and fellow senior Quirk.  They add four talented frosh and could benefit from greater contributions from a strong sophomore class.  In some cases, athletes take a year to adjust to collegiate competition, while some frosh are ready to step-in immediately.  The Wildcats have the potential to be even stronger in 2013. 

 

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart
Assistants: Jay Hogue, Carl Leland
Starting Routines Returning: 20/24
Returning Starters (7):  Simona Castro (Sr), Jorie Hall (Jr), Moriah Martin (Jr), Kaitlin Moorhead (Jr), Melodie Pulgarin Linero (Jr), Ellese Sakai-Hart (So), Emily Warfield (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (4) Alix Angelopulo (So), Nina McGee (So), Brianna Springer (Sr), Paige Tollefson (Jr)
Graduated (1): 
Louise Mercer
Other Losses (2): Kayla Carlsen (?), Jaleesa Wilson (?)
Newcomers (7):  Emily Barrett, Rachel Feeken, Madison Kilchrist, Maggie Laughlin, Katie Menhinick, Emily Novotny, Morgan Tolman
Quick Assessment:  A large DU squad looks to overcome the depth and injury issues of 2012 and push their way back to Nationals.
  Returning AAers Martin, Pulgarin Linero and Sakai-Hart will be boosted by the return of Springer and the energy of seven newcomers.  Hall and Castro are also key performers, with the former excelling on beam and the latter coming off a strong international season that included competing at the 2012 Olympics.  The new depth should put the Pioneers in an improved position to challenge in 2013. 

 

 

 

21.  Missouri Tigers

 

22.  North Carolina State

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Rob Drass
Assistants: Jennifer Green, Louis Robinson Jr
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Returning Starters (9)Cathryn Aliceaacosta (Jr), Briana Conkle (So), Tori Howard (Sr), Laura Kappler (So), Mackenzie McGill (Jr), Taylor Medrea (Jr), Colleen Mulcahy (So), Katelyn Trevino (Jr), Rachel Updike (So)
Other/Injured Returners (3)Brittany Bendoff (Jr), Rebecca Johnson (So), Sandra Ostad (Sr)
Graduated (2):  Mary Burke, Allie Heizelman
Other Losses (2):  Kelsy Landreth (?), Brittani Price
Newcomers (3)Blair Elmore, Miranda Eubank, Rachel Henderson
Quick Assessment:  Missouri returns a strong and experienced core from last year's fourth place Regional squad.  Gone from the squad is one their best, however, AAer Mary Burke.  Super soph standout Updike returns to lead the squad, capably supported by a team with numerous contributors.  Tori Howard is another key piece of the puzzle, while returnees like Trevino and Ostad could provide a boost.  The Tigers will need to bolster their vault lineup, as half of the Regional lineup is now gone. 

 

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Mark Stevenson
Assistants:  Colleen Johnson, Bob Starkell
Starting Routines Returning: 15/24
Returning Starters (7):  Hannah Fallanca (Jr), Rachel Fincham (Sr), Diahanna Ham (Jr), Kristen Harabedian (Jr), Lane Jarred (So), Morgan Johnson (Sr), Stephanie Ouellette (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (5):  Naomi DeVries (So), Heidi Ffield (Jr), Megan Kurdelmeier (So), Ellen Marion (Jr), Connor Smith (So)
Graduated (6):  Brook Barr, Anna Kronenfield, Jess Panza, Becca Teich, Alex Williams, Jackie Yanchocik
Other Losses (1):  Emily Anderson
Newcomers (6):  Aubrey Hine, Anita Medolla, Christine Shrager, Courtney Turner, Brittni Watkins, Michaela Woodford
Quick Assessment:  The Wolf Pack are coming off one of their best seasons in history, placing 3rd at the 2012 Regional, just 0.25 behind Ohio State.  Despite this strong finish, NC State has been ranked just 22nd in the Preseason Poll.  The loss of 9 scores from six athletes, including standouts Barr and Panza, will be tough to make up quickly.  Fincham, Ham and Ouellette form a very strong returning core, however.

 

 

 

23.  Minnesota Gophers

 

24.  WVU Mountaineers

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Meg Stephenson
Associate Head Coach:  Jenny (Alf) Hansen
Assistant: Louie Johnson
Starting Routines Returning: 22/24
Returning Starters (8):  Janell Campbell (Sr), Justine Cherwink (Jr), Jenny Covers (So), Shannon Golich (Sr), Dusti Russell (Jr), Kylie Schermann (So), Kayla Slechta (Jr), Cierra Tomson (So)
Other/Injured Returners (0):  NA 
Graduated (4):  Kendra Elm, Lucy Ennis, Amber Hammerschmidt, Briana Jones
Other Losses (2):  Megan Alvarez (?), Alex Feeken (?)
Newcomers (4):  Madie Hanley, Sarah Lokos, Lindsay Mable, Hanna Nordquist
Quick Assessment:  The Gophers lose just two routines from a squad that third at Regionals.  As with last season, the Gophers will be led by AAers Russell and Slechta, with capable support from sophomore AAer Tomson.  A talented frosh class could lend an immediate boost, in particular, L10 standouts Nordquist and Mable.  How well the squad fares could depend on the health of the AAers and the how quickly the frosh adapt.  UB was a weakness last season, and the frosh should help there especially.

 

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach: Jason Butts
Assistants:  Travis Doak, Bridget Boyd
Starting Routines Returning: 20/24
Returning Starters (89:  Makenzie Bristol (Jr), Amanda Carpenter (Jr), Beth Deal (So), Chelsea Goldschrafe (Sr), Dayah Haley (So), Kaylyn Millick (Sr), Alaska Richardson (Sr),Hope Sloanhoffer (Jr), Erica Smith (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (4):  Jamie Judge (So), Lia Salzano (So), Maci Sump (So), Bethany Yurko (Jr)
Graduated (2):  Tina Maloney, Nicole Roach
Other Losses (2):  Parker Beattie (?), Reilly Beattie (?)
Newcomers (3):  Gina Costa, Mellissa Idell, Jaida Lawrence
Quick Assessment:  The Mountaineers finished 2012 with a fifth place finish at Regionals.  Their score was their highest ever at a Regional, and they finished just 0.55 from 2nd place.  They'll be led this season by EAGL Gymnast of the Year Sloanhoffer and fellow AAer Millick.  Goldschrafe and Richardson are two other standouts, and former elite Smith has upside potential.  The squad welcomes three frosh, with Lawrence featuring some big power skills.  A solid, experienced core will look to continue to refine the small details that will earn them the extra tenths they'll need to move up the standings.

 

 

 

25.  Kentucky Wildcats

 

 

 

 

 

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Head Coach:  Tim Garrison
Assistants: Chuck Dickerson, Mary McDaniel
Starting Routines Returning: 19/24
Returning Starters (10): Caitlyn Ciokajlo (Sr/I), Holly Cunningham (Jr), Alexis Gross (So), Audrey Harrison (Jr), Kayla Hartley (Jr), Kenzie Hedges (So), Shelby Hilton (So), Shannon Mitchell (So), Sara Shipley (So), Kayla Sienkowski (Kr)
Other/Injured Returners (0):  NA
Graduated (2):  Storey Morris, Whitney Rose
Other Losses (5): Liz Ames (?), Angie Goodwin (?), Paige Krall (?), Caitlin Satkowiak (Manager), Jessie Staples (?)
Newcomers (5):  Jill Chappel, Tiara Phipps, Shannon Reynolds (So/Diver last season), Amy Roemmele, Montana Whittle
Quick Assessment:  The Wildcats return all ten final competitors from the 2012 season that saw them finish fifth at Regionals.  Harrison and Gross return as the top two AAers, but sophomore Hedges has the potential to contribute even more this season.  Five newcomers join the squad, and they'll look to challenge for lineup spots, particularly on UB.  The loss of leadership and scoring potential from Morris and Rose will hurt, but both had been limited by injuries during their careers.  Ciokajlo also sustained a training accident earlier this fall and will be missed on UB. 

Table:  Teams #1 to #12

Table:  Teams #13 to #25

Key to the Tables:

 

Ranking: By 2013 Preseason Coaches' Poll

Coaches: Only regular, paid coaches are listed.

Starting Routines: Defined by starting lineup in last meet of the post season.
Returning Starters:
Defined by starting lineup in last competition
Year in School:
(Is listed as reported on the school's roster)

Fr = Freshman
So = Sophomore
Jr = Junior
Sr = Senior

Status Codes for Returners:

I = major season ending injury in 2012
R = retirement/not competing (for any other reason than transfer or injury)

S = Under suspension
TR = Transfer
RS = Redshirt (note:  not all eligible gymnasts will employ or are awarded a redshirt year)
?=unconfirmed/unknown information

 

 

Monday, 17 December 2012 21:57

2013 Capsule Previews: Teams #1 to #12

 

 1.  Alabama Crimson Tide

2.  UCLA Bruins

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 20/24
Head Coach: Sarah & David Patterson
Assistant: Brian Raschilla
Returning Starters (8):
  Kaitlyn Clark (So), Sarah DeMeo (Jr), Marissa Gutierrez (Sr), Kim Jacob (Jr), Diandra Milliner (Jr), Ashley Priess (RS Sr), Ashley Sledge (Sr), Kayla Williams (So)
Other/Injured Returners (7):  Becca Alexin (Sr), Olivia Carisella (Jr), Hunter Dennis (So), Ria Domier (Jr), Lindsey Fowler (Jr), Lora Leigh Frost (So), Brooke Parker (So),
Graduated (2):  Geralan Stack-Easton, Rachel Terry
Other Losses (1):  Hannah Toussaint (Jr)
Newcomers (2): 
Lauren Beers, Carley Sims
Quick Assessment:
Last season, Bama edged Florida and UCLA to capture their sixth National Championship and their second in a row.  Can they make it a three-peat?  Bama certainly has the tools to do so, returning several stars, including fifth-year senior Ashley Priess.  Bama will miss the top AA and "end of the lineup" scoring potential of Stack-Eaton, but any number of the returnees or newcomers could make up that critical lost routine in each event.  With another year of adjustment under their belt and a strong off-season of training, both Clark and Williams could be poised to step up and make a bigger impact this season. 



Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 13/24
Head Coach: Valerie Kondos Field
Associate Head Coach:  Chris Waller
Assistant: Randy Lane
Returning Starters (6):  Kaelie Baer (Sr), Olivia Courtney (Jr), Monique De La Torre (Sr), Mattie Larson (So), Alyssa Pritchett (RS Sr), Vanessa Zamarripa (RS Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (6): Sadiqua Bynum (So), Ellette Craddock (So), Dana McDonald (So/I), Lichelle Wong (Sr), Samantha Peszek (Jr/I), Sydney Sawa (Jr/I)
Graduated (4):  Tauny Frattone (Sr), Aisha Gerber (Sr), Elyse Hopfner Hibbs (Sr), Tiffany Hyland (Sr)
Other Losses (3): Kassidy Kozai (R/undergrad assistant), Ti Liu, Cassie Whitcomb (R/manager)
Newcomers (4):  Sophina DeJesus, Danusia Francis, Christine "Peng Peng" Lee, Asi Peko
Quick Assessment:  The Bruins host the National Championship meet this April but their hopes for a National Title were dealt a big blow when junior Samantha Peszek tore her Achilles during the preseason.  Her loss, coupled with the loss of Frattone, Gerber and Hopfner-Hibbs means that others will have to step up to fill the gaps immediately.  In particular, the frosh class (which includes Lee, who is still recovering from injury) will have to step up immediately.  



3.  Florida Gators



4.  Oklahoma Sooners

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 22/24
Head Coach: Rhonda Faehn
Assistants: Adrian Burde, Robert Ladanyi
Returning Starters (8): Mackenzie Caquatto (Jr), Ashanee Dickerson (Sr), Kytra Hunter (So), Alaina Johnson (Jr), Marissa King (Sr), Rachel Spicer (So), Randy Stageberg (Sr), Kiersten Wang (So)
Other/Injured Returners (2):  Dalia Lemezan (Sr), Lauren Rose (Jr)
Graduated (3):  Nicole Ellis, Amy Ferguson, Elizabeth Mahlich
Other Losses (1):  Jade Wiggins
Newcomers (3): 
Bianca Caquatto, Bianca Dancose-Giambattisto, Bridget Sloan
Quick Assessment:  The Gators return perhaps their deepest and most experienced squad ever, led by 2012 NCAA AA champ Kytra Hunter.  The 2012 runnerups feature a stacked lineup of former elite and L10 stars, further bolstered by former World Champion Bridget Sloan.  On top of this, the Gators look outstanding in preseason training and have suffered minimal offseason losses.  Besides Bama and the other top teams, Florida's biggest obstacle to a title may be themselves:  the mental game is the final obstacle to overcome.     



Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 16/24
Head Coach: KJ Kindler
Assistants: Lou Ball, Tom Haley
Returning Starters (6):  Lara Albright (Jr), Erica Brewer (So), Madison Mooring (Jr), Brie Olson (Sr), Haley Sorensen (So), Taylor Spears (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (5):   Lauren Alexander (So), Rebecca Clark (So/I), Kayla Nowak (Sr/I), Lauren Smith (Sr), Hayden Ward (Jr/I
Graduated (4):  Candace Cindell, Megan Ferguson, Natasha Kelley, Sara Stone
Other Losses (0):  N/A
Newcomers (4):  Maile'ana Kanewa, Keeley Kmieciak, Hunter Price, Haley Scaman
Quick Assessment:
The Sooners just missed the Super Six finals last season,
competing with a squad depleted by injury.  This year, the Sooners lose talented stars Ferguson and Stone, and are once again without the services of the injured Nowak (training accident).  With Ward and Clark working their way back from season-ending injuries, the frosh will be called upon early to contribute.  The Sooner coaching staff has shown the ability to get all of their available athletes contributing at their upmost, so there is little reason not to expect the same this season. 







5.  Utah Utes



6.  Stanford Cardinal

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 15/24
Head Coaches: Greg and Megan Marsden
Assistant: Tom Farden
Returning Starters (10):  Georgia Dabritz (So), Nansy Damianova (Jr), Kailah Delaney (So), Lia Del Priore (Jr), Hailey Hansen (Jr), Mary Beth Lofgren (Jr), Kassandra Lopez (So), Corrie Lothrop (Jr), Becky Tutka (So), Tori Wilson (So)
Other/Injured Returners (0):  N/A
Graduated (3): 
Cortni Beers, Stephanie McAllister, Kyndal Robarts
Other Losses (2):  Fumina Kobayashi (R), Victoria Shanley (R)
Newcomers (3): 
Taylor Allexx, Breanna Hughes, Haley Lange
Quick Assessment: The Utes lose some strong leadership and end of the lineup routines to graduation, from Beers, McAllister, and Robarts .  But a strong core returns, and their sophomore class will have an opportunity to contribute in a greater fashion.  Lothrop and Dabritz will be looked upon as two solid AAers, while the frosh will have to work through some off-season injuries. 



Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 18/24
Head Coach: Kristen Smyth
Associate Head Coach:  Chris Swircek
Assistant:  Tabitha Yim
Returning Starters (8): Nicole Dayton (Sr), Pauline Hanset (So), Ivana Hong (So), Ashley Morgan (Sr), Shona Morgan (Jr), Samantha Shapiro (So), Amanda Spinner (Jr), Rebecca Wing (So)
Other/Injured Returners (2):  Alex Archer (So), Lucy Meyer (Jr), Kristina Vaculik (Jr)
Graduated (3)Alyssa Brown, Nicole Pechanec, Jenny Peter 
Other Losses (0): NA
Newcomers (4):  Melissa Chuang, Jenna Frowein, Taylor Rice, Maggie Teets
Quick Assessment:   Stanford delivered a peak performance at Nationals, placing in fourth just 0.35 points behind the Crimson TideAshley Morgan and Hong return to lead the squad as seasoned AAers, while return of Canadian Olympian Kristina Vaculik will be a key to making up some of the routines lost to graduation, while the incoming frosh will bolster the squad's depth. 







7.  Nebraska Cornhuskers



8.  LSU Tigers

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Starting Routines Returning:  20//24
Head Coach: Dan Kendig
Assistants:  Heather Brink, Dan Miller
Returning Starters (6):  Jessie DeZiel (So), Janelle Giblin (Sr), Jennifer Lauer (So), Jamie Schleppenbach (Jr), Brittany Skinner (Sr), Emily Wong (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (4):  Kailyn Hawkins (So), Amanda Lauer (So), Kassandra Nathe (Sr), Desire Stephens (So)
Graduated (2):  Lora Evenstad, Katelyn Busacker
Other Losses (1):  Deanna Barmore (?)
Newcomers (4):  Jordyn Beck, Hollie Blanske, Ariel Martin, Madison McConkey
Quick Assessment: 
  The 2013 Huskers sport a core group of six returnees, from a small squad of eight that competed so well at the National finals.  This group of well-trained athletes will be led once again by soph sensation DeZiel and ever-improving junior Wong.  The frosh could step in on any number events, although Blanske is just coming back from injury.  NU will also get a boost from the return of Nathe, who has battled injuries the last two years. 



Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 22/24
Head Coach: D-D Breaux
Assistants: Jay Clark, Bob Moore
Returning Starters (10):  Rheagan Courville (So), Kaleigh Dickson (Jr), Mckenzie Fox (Jr), Ericka Garcia (Sr/I),  Lloimincia Hall (So), Jessie Jordan (So), Randi Lau (So), Maliah Mathis (Jr), Sarie Morrison (Jr), Britney Taylor (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (2): Casey Duvall (Jr), Lainie Fleming (Jr)
Graduated (1):  Ashley Lee
Other Losses (2):   Janelle Garcia (?), Shelby Prunty (?)
Newcomers (4):  Michelle Gauthier, Britney Ranzy (So/TR/Oregon State), Jessica Savona, Randii Wyrick
Quick Assessment:  LSU returns 22 of 24 routines from last year's young squad, powered by last year's underclassmen.  With another year of adjustment and another year of experience, things are looking bright for the Tigers.  On top of that, add in four talented newcomers, including a former L10 JO National AA champ and two elites, and you have the potential to rise even higher this season. 







9.  Oregon State Beavers



10.  Michigan Wolverines

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Head Coach: Tanya Chaplin
Associate Head Coach:  Mike Chaplin
Assistant:  John Carney
Returning Starters (6):  Kelsey Blalock (Sr), Hannah Casey (Jr), Brittany Harris (Jr), Mel Jones (Sr), Makayla Stambaugh (Sr), Chelsea Tang (So)
Other/Injured Returners (5):  Taylor Keeker (So), Katelyn Ohlrich (So), Kailie Ponto (So), Stephanie McGregor (Sr/I), Cerise Witherby (So)
Graduated (2):  Leslie Mak, Olivia Vivian
Other Losses (1):  Stefanie Daley (TR/USU)
Newcomers (6):  Erika Aufiero, Sarah Cerami, Hailey Gaspar (Sr/TR from Boise St), Sarah Marquez, Nicole Turner, Jaime Wright
Quick Assessment:   The Beavers lose two important end of the lineup performers in Mak and Vivian.  They'll look to towards the return of McGregor and the contributions from six newcomers this season, especially Gaspar, who excels on vault and has collegiate experience with the Broncos.  Blalock, Harris, Jones and Stambaugh will form the core of the returnees, as the Beavers look to return to Nationals.  The sophomore class could also make a bigger impact this season, now that they've had a season to adjust



Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 24/24
Head Coach: Bev Plocki
Assistants: Scott Sherman, Shannon Welker
Returning Starters (8): Stephanie Colbert (Jr), Shelby Gies (Jr), Britnee Martinez (Sr), Annette Miele (So), Joanna Sampson (Jr), Sachi Sugiyama (So), Reema Zhakharia (Jr), Katie Zurales (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (2): , Teresa Arthur (Jr), Natalie Beilstein (I/Sr)
Graduated (0):  N/A
Other Losses (1): Kristin Nagle (R)
Newcomers (4):  Briley Casanova, Austin Shephard, Morgan Smith, Lindsay Smith
Quick Assessment: The Wolverines just missed Nationals last season, placing third, just .125 behind Oregon State.  The Coaches have elevated the Wolverines back into the top 10 in the Preseason Poll, likely based on the return of Beilstein and a frosh class loaded with three former elites.  How fast those frosh adjust may determine just how high the Wolverines can rise this season.  Shephard in particular, is coming off a very strong year competing for Hungary while Casanova and Smith both successfully dropped down to L10 last season. 





11.  Georgia GymDogs



12.  Arkansas GymBacks

Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 17/24
Head Coach: Danna Durante
Assistants: Jay Hogue, Philip Ogletree
Returning Starters (8):
  Lindsay Cheek (Jr), Noel Couch (Sr), Chelsea Davis (So), Kaylan Earls (Jr), Cat Hires (Jr), Sarah Persinger (So), Christa Tanella (Sr), Shayla Worley (Sr)
Other/Injured Returners (5): Bekah Bennetts (Jr), Kati Breazeal (Sr), Demetria Hunte (So), Whitney Kirby (So), Camille Pfister (So)
Graduated (3):  Mariel Box, Kat Ding, Gina Nuccio
Other Losses (1):  Laura Moffatt (?)
Newcomers (4):  Mary Beth Box, Brandie Jay, Brittany Rogers, Anysia Unick
Quick Assessment: Georgia gains a new coaching staff this season, and they are bringing a new approach to the program.  Last season the squad ended one step away from the Super Six, after some problems on beam.  This is an area where Durante excels, and where we could see some immediate impact.  Some step-up efforts and improved consistency will be needed to make up for the loss of Ding and Nuccio.  The GymDogs will also be looking for some quick adjustment from the frosh, especially elite standouts Jay and Rogers.   



Official Web Site: Link Schedule Roster
Starting Routines Returning: 18/24
Head Coach: Mark and Rene Cook
Assistant: Samantha Cortez
Returning Starters (7):  Amy Borsellino (Sr), Stephani Canizaro (So), Katherine Grable (Jr), Kelci Lewis (Sr), Shelby Salmon (Jr), Scarlett Williams (Jr), Bailee Zumwalde (Jr)
Other/Injured Returners (1):  Jordan Salsberg (Sr)
Graduated (3):  Mariah Howdeshell, Jamie Pisani, Ginny Salvatore
Other Losses (2):  Sammy Kobas (So), Amanda Siebert (?)
Newcomers (5):  Sydnie Dillard, Heather Elswick, Erin Freier, Keara Glover, Lily Hardin
Quick Assessment:  Arkansas made the Super Six last season, powered by the one-two punch of Grable and Pisani.  Pisani is gone, but the GymBacks welcome back Salsberg and five frosh.  Although the Coaches' Poll knocked the squad back all the way to 12th, Arkansas is still capable of much more.  Much of the success of the squad this season will hinge on the health of Borsellino and Grable.  The loss of the 9.9+ scores of Pisani hurts, but is not a knockout punch for this squad. 

  Table:  Teams #1 to #12

Table:  Teams #13 to #25

Key to the Tables:

 

Ranking: By 2013 Preseason Coaches' Poll

Coaches: Only regular, paid coaches are listed.

Starting Routines: Defined by starting lineup in last meet of the post season.
Returning Starters:
Defined by starting lineup in last competition
Year in School:
(Is listed as reported on the school's roster)

Fr = Freshman
So = Sophomore
Jr = Junior
Sr = Senior

Status Codes for Returners:

I = major season ending injury in 2012 or preseason 2012-2013
R = retirement/not competing (for any other reason than transfer or injury)
TR = Transfer
RS = Redshirt (note:  not all eligible gymnasts will employ or are awarded a redshirt year)
?=unconfirmed/unknown information

 

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