The second full week is in the bag (the third weekend overall) and we are already seeing the fan excitement, enthusiasm and in some cases, speculation and angst, build. It's a been a wild weekend full of standout performances and rising stars. And, unfortunately, we're seeing injury and scoring variation dominate the conversation. Here's our weekly recap...
The College Gymnastics Association (CGA) posted their week two rankings for the men. The rankings, unlike for the women, are based on a survey. Oklahoma leads the poll, followed by Stanford and Illinois.
Representatives from 65 schools in the five largest conferences (ACC, Big 10, Big 12, Pac 12, SEC) and 15 student-athlete representatives (three from each conference) met to vote on changes enabled by the NCAA's new autonomy structure, which enables the Big Five to set certain standards. They approved several important changes, including raising the limit on scholarship money to cover the "total cost of attendance". This could mean that certain schools and athletes in certain sports could see more money, to cover expenses like travel expenses and academic-related supplies. The delegates also approved a change that prevents a scholarship from being revoked for athletic reasons.
Link: NCAA Release
Illinois State defeated visiting Centenary on Sunday afternoon. Samantha King posted a meet high 9.8 to win the UB and lead the Redbirds to victory. Teammate Kristyn Bossle won the VT while Laura Jonas won the BB. Sarah Fisher won the FX as Illinois State swept the individual events. For Centenary, Ashley White won the AA with a 38.075.
Link: Illinois State Release
Kristina Steffenhagan posted a meet-high 9.8 to win FX and lead Ursinus to the win. Teammates Alyssa Hershmen and Lauren Chavis won the VT and UB, respectively.
Link: Release
Oregon State nipped host Iowa State for the win, with SEMO in third. Madeline Gardiner led Oregon State with a win on VT. Teammate Erika Aufiero tied for the UB title with Iowa State's Hilary Green. For the Cyclones, Caitlin Brown won the AA with a 39.375 while tying for the BB title with teammate Sammie Pearsall. ISU frosh Haylee Young won the FX.
Link: SEMO Release
Wolverine Sachi Sugiyama posted a 39.45 to win the AA as Michigan downed WVU and the host Buckeyes. She also claimed the vault title, while teammates Nicole Artz and Lindsay Williams won the floor and bars, respectively. Michigan frosh Brianna Brown tied for the beam title with WVU's Beth Deal.
Link: Release
Well the first weekend of NCAA competition is in the bag and it's time to recap some key impressions from the competition thus far. There were highs, there were lows, and a lot of questions yet to be answered.
Denver posted the road win, hitting 194.5 to defeat host NC State. They were led by Nina McGee, who posted a 39.175 to win the AA. She also won the bars, floor and tied for the beam title with NC State's Lane Jarred. The Pioneer's Rachel Fielitz and Emily Barrett tied for the vault title with NC State's Brittni Watkins.
Link: NC State Release
Our annual ranking of the Top Recruiting Classes is now available. Here's a link for smart phone and RSS viewers: Link