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Rio Tinto Better of Utah NCAA Gymnastics Meet
When: 7 p.m. MST
Venue: Maverik Middle (12,000 capability), West Valley Metropolis
TV: BYUtv
Radio: ESPN 700
The groups
- No. 4 Utah
- No. 19 BYU
- No. 25 Southern Utah
- No. 26 Utah State
The historical past
The stakes
BYU: The Cougars are the reigning Mountain Rim Gymnastics Convention champions, and — below the steerage of head coach Guard Younger — are within the midst of probably the most profitable runs in program historical past. BYU has completed second behind Utah the final two seasons on the Better of Utah.
Southern Utah: The Flippin’ Birds have been a constant menace to qualify for NCAA Regionals below head coach Scotty Bauman, who over the course of three a long time has turned SUU’s program into probably the most revered within the nation. Southern Utah has completed third within the MRGC in every of the final three seasons and completed in third (2020) and fourth place (2021) within the earlier two Better of Utah meets.
Utah: The Purple Rocks boast arguably most profitable gymnastics program within the nation and getting into this season are thought of one of many chief contenders to win the nationwide title. Utah completed No. 3 on the NCAA Gymnastics Championships final season and has handily gained every of the earlier Better of Utah competitions.
Utah State: Just like BYU below Younger, Utah State is the midst of arguably probably the most profitable stretch in program historical past below head coach Amy Smith. Utah State certified for NCAA Regionals in again to again seasons, and final season the Aggies recorded three of the highest 10 staff scores in program historical past. Utah State has completed in fourth (2020) and third place (2021) within the first two seasons of the Better of Utah.
Gymnasts to observe
For BYU: The Cougars have one of many bigger rosters within the nation with 25 gymnasts, however will likely be led this season by a set of seven seniors, together with occasion captains Elease Rollins, Brittany Vitkauskas, Haley Pitou and Sadie Miner-Van Tassell.
For Southern Utah: The Flippin’ Birds boast 29 gymnasts in whole, together with 9 seniors. Most notable amongst that group are standouts Karley McClain, Hannah Nipp and Shylen Murakami. SUU additionally has the reigning MRGC Freshman of the Yr in Aubri Schwartze.
For Utah: The Utes have arguably their most proficient staff in program historical past. Maile O’Keefe, a two-time nationwide champion and the reigning Pac-12 Gymnast of the Yr, leads the best way, however the Purple Rocks are loaded. Olympic medalists Grace McCallum and Amelie Morgan are notable, as is U.S. Olympic alternate Kara Eaker, to not point out All-People Alexia Burch, Abby Paulson, Cristal Isa and Sydney Soloski.
For Utah State: With 19 gymnasts, the Aggies have their fair proportion of athletes to thoughts, together with key returners like Maia Fishwick, Sofi Sullivan, Rebecca Wells and Angel Stuart. USU additionally has some intriguing freshmen, highlighted by Brie Clark and Trinity Brown.