Coaches’ Corner Update w/ Shannon
Let me catch everyone up on our last three meets if you haven’t had a chance to follow them:We posted a nice win over Utah three weekends ago. We did have to count a fall on bars, but were able to respond with a solid beam and season high home floor rotation to beat then #5 ranked Utah. The team headed into spring break as we prepared to take on two of our main Big Ten rivals. Our first stop was at Illinois (ranked #13), where we posted our best meet of the season. Beam and Floor rotations earned season highs as the team rolled to another victory. I almost forgot, Kylee scored the first 10.0 for Michigan since 2004. It was a beautiful vault, if I don’t say so myself! We returned home to get some good training, relaxation and much needed rest. Since it was spring break, we all got together at a local restaurant to participate in a trivia competition. It was a lot of fun (we got 3rd by the way). Bev, also, set up a day at the spa for the team as a mid-week reward for doing so well in the gym. Next, we travelled to State College to face Big Ten foe, Penn State. We opened the meet with some small bobbles on floor rotation, but responded with a season high Vault and Beam rotations. Unfortunately we counted a fall on bars, that allowed Penn State to nip us by .075. So that should catch you up with the team’s performance.
Individually, we have had some very positive strides. Our all-around competitors have been so solid. Kylee and Sarah are currently ranked #6 and #14, respectively, in the country. Our beam team has really done a fantastic job of becoming one of our strengths. Kari Pearce and Katie Zurales have done a great job, especially at the last couple of meets, getting our vault off to a strong start. Additionally, our freshmen have really been a boost this year, not that we are surprised! One last kudos is to our senior’s (Mo, Kelsey, Jackie and Sarah), who have provided leadership in and out of the gym. I am certain they will lead us deep into the post-season.
Obviously our team intends on improving as the season progresses and we are on our way. Our team has consistently reminded itself that our main goal “is to do our best gymnastics when it is most important”. Individual by individual and event by event we are achieving that goal. The quality of our gymnastics and skill level exceeds and/or matches any team in the country at this point. Now is the time to put it all together as we prepare to peak for post season. Come cheer us on this weekend as we take on Georgia and celebrate the careers of our seniors as they take the floor at Crisler one final time.
Go Blue and see you in Gainesville!
Shannon