Down in Cancun, WVU served notice of their strength by posting a 194.5 to upset Missouri. Frosh Hope Sloanhoffer and senior Amy Bieski led the Mountaineers, with the former winning VT with a 9.925 and tying for first on FX with Bieski and Mizzou's Lauren Swankoski. Bieski also picked up a win on BB and in the AA. Mizzou's Sandra Ostad won the UB with a 9.775.
Link: Mizzou Release
A young Bama squad won their season opener, paced by senior Kylea Hoffman. Hoffman won the AA with a 39.5 and tied with frosh teammate Diandra Milliner for the VT title. Hoffman floated a nice Yurchenko Layout Full while Milliner drilled her Yurchenko 1 1/2. Another frosh, Sarah DeMeo, won BB with a 9.925. Sophomore Ashley Sledge won the UB with a 9.85.
Link: Bama Release
Pittsburgh won its opening meet, led by Molly Moyer's AA win and Alicia Talucci's two wins. Talucci won BB and tied with Moyer and Ball State's Nicole Allen on VT. Pitt frosh Brittney Harris won the UB.
Link: Pitt release
Florida just missed the 197 mark in their season opener, as both teams avoided a major mistake. Gator Ashanee Dickerson was dominant, winning VT, BB, FX and the AA (39.55). Right behind her was frosh Alaina Johnson, who won UB and posted a 39.425 in her debut.
Link: NU Release
Michigan won their opening quad, led by senior Kylee Botterman's 39.4 AA win. Botterman also won VT and BB. Teammate Sarah Curtis tied with Michigan State's Jackie Berg for the UB title. On FX, Wolverine Natalie Beilstein tied with Iowa's Rebecca Simbhudas for the win.
Link: MSU Release
MSU has released an update on Kathryn Mahoney, who injured her spine last week during training. She has been transferred out of the Neuro ICU and into a rehabilitation center closer to her home. There is an address to send cards, and an address to send a donation to her recovery expense fund.
Link: MSU Release
The season kicks off this weekend!. As always, surf over to CollegeGymFans.com. Each weekend during the season, we'll replace our feature section with our "Meet Time" collection of live links to stats, audio, commentary and more. The chat room is also open, so stop by and chat with fellow fans as you watch the meets. If you are on the go, check out our Twitter feed and get live updates as scores come in from across the country. Also, in the news section, you can subscribe to our RSS feed to get results and recaps as their posted. In the Events calendar in the Community section, we'll put a TV calendar as well as times for our Weekly chat. Here's a preview on some key meets this weekend, with a particular focus on the Top 25 teams:
Mahoney is listed in serious condition following surgery to stabilize the injury to the C-6 vertebrae, which occured in practice. Per the team's Facebook page, she is set to be released from the Neuro ICU tomorrow and is sitting up and eating on her own. You can read more and send your well-wishes via the team's Facebook page, and find an address to send her cards and words of encouragement.
Alyssa Gale has been unable to overcome an injury from her club competition days. She'll retire, but remain involved with the team as a manager.
USA Gymnastics has issued a letter urging members and fans of the sport to make pledges to Cal Gymnastics Forever. In September, Cal announced the elimination of the Men's and Women's Gymnastics Program. In order to save the programs, a long term financial plan must be put in place to support gymnastics, rugby, women's lacrosse and baseball. A coordinated plan to raise $12.5M has been put in place, with over $10M already raised by the other sports. The Cal gymnastics program is targeting $1M towards that total, an amount they will have until January 31st to raise. Make your pledge or help spread the word today.
Link: USAG Letter and Cal Gymnastics Forever Website
Illinois has named Justin Spring Head Coach of it's men's program. He had been serving as Associate Head Coach.
Link: Illinois Release
Rutgers Head Coach Chrystal Nollet-Norton will retire at the end of the season, according to a school release. This season will mark her 25th. A national search will be conducted for her successor.
Link: Rutgers Release
New UCLA signee Peng Peng Lee won the AA on the first day at Elite Canada. Iowa commit Emily Bigras was 19th.
Link: Results and Interview with Lee
Kentucky defeated Ball State in an exhibition match Friday evening. Scores were kept, but full team scores are unavailable.
Link: Ball State Release