- Aug 31, 2014
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#2 UF opens their season on a definite note of redemption. They faded hard last year to end up #4 in the final meet. Honestly anything less than a title or a nail biter second place this season and Rowland should have some hard questions to answer. UF brings in one of the most decorated freshman class this year in NCAA history. This class has 9 world and olympic medals! Only UCLA with Kocian/Ross had a more decorated class. In addition, UF did not lose any significant routines from a team that sat at #1 throughout the regular season. Some things to watch:
Trinity Thomas (SR) - probably the most graceful and powerful gymnast ever for UF in her senior season. Her serious ankle injury last year in the back half of the season, essentially doomed the team. Now with much more depth, I would expect Rowland to sit her more often early. I highly recommend seeing her in person if you get a chance this season.
Riley McCusker (FR) - An unfortunate ankle injury kept her out of the all-around at the olympic trials but prior was considered one of the favorites. A multiple time national team member and gold medal world champion. She really shines on bars and beam. They were still guarding her during intra-squad so look for her to perhaps only do bars the early part of the season.
Morgan Hurd (FR) - Another world champion. Morgan had a serious elbow injury that also kept her out of the olympic trials. She only arrived on campus in January, so we probably wont see her on an event until later in the season. But one of the best beam and floor workers in the nation.
Leanne Wong (FR) - Another world champion. Was an alternate for the olympic team. I am most excited about her. Her gymnastics translate well to college and she has showed up on campus healthy, in competition shape and ready to go. She is an outstanding all-arounder and my pick for SEC Freshman of the year.
Sloane Blakely (FR) - Sloane was an elite gymnast who switched back to Level 10. From the Texas powerhouse club WOGA, she swept the Level 10 national championship on all events. While not as heralded as the other freshman she is a very strong vaulter and should be competing all-around.
The first nationally televised gymnastics meet on ABC sunday Jan 16 at 2:45 versus Alabama. Very cool that UF will be the venue in which this happens. Should be one of the more raucous meets of the season.
Again, its almost championship or bust for this squad. I think the only team that threatens them is Utah, which is in a strikingly similar scenario as UF with a ton of returning talent and a really solid freshman class. Also look out for LSU and Oklahoma. Enjoy the ride!
Go Gators!
Trinity Thomas (SR) - probably the most graceful and powerful gymnast ever for UF in her senior season. Her serious ankle injury last year in the back half of the season, essentially doomed the team. Now with much more depth, I would expect Rowland to sit her more often early. I highly recommend seeing her in person if you get a chance this season.
Riley McCusker (FR) - An unfortunate ankle injury kept her out of the all-around at the olympic trials but prior was considered one of the favorites. A multiple time national team member and gold medal world champion. She really shines on bars and beam. They were still guarding her during intra-squad so look for her to perhaps only do bars the early part of the season.
Morgan Hurd (FR) - Another world champion. Morgan had a serious elbow injury that also kept her out of the olympic trials. She only arrived on campus in January, so we probably wont see her on an event until later in the season. But one of the best beam and floor workers in the nation.
Leanne Wong (FR) - Another world champion. Was an alternate for the olympic team. I am most excited about her. Her gymnastics translate well to college and she has showed up on campus healthy, in competition shape and ready to go. She is an outstanding all-arounder and my pick for SEC Freshman of the year.
Sloane Blakely (FR) - Sloane was an elite gymnast who switched back to Level 10. From the Texas powerhouse club WOGA, she swept the Level 10 national championship on all events. While not as heralded as the other freshman she is a very strong vaulter and should be competing all-around.
The first nationally televised gymnastics meet on ABC sunday Jan 16 at 2:45 versus Alabama. Very cool that UF will be the venue in which this happens. Should be one of the more raucous meets of the season.
Again, its almost championship or bust for this squad. I think the only team that threatens them is Utah, which is in a strikingly similar scenario as UF with a ton of returning talent and a really solid freshman class. Also look out for LSU and Oklahoma. Enjoy the ride!
Go Gators!
