Gymnastics team wins State of Michigan Classic, knocks off No. 21 Michigan State
The CMU gymnastics team won its first State of Michigan Classic of the new millenium in what will be the event’s last year.
With a score of 194.975, the team beat No. 21 Michigan State, Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan on Sunday in Kalamazoo. It scored more than a point higher than last year’s Classic (193.925).
And it started from the beginning.
“The confidence started on our first event (uneven bars); we went six-for-six, and each routine was really high quality,” said coach Jerry Reighard.
CMU scored a 48.85 in the floor exercise and a 48.875 on the vault. Sophomore Kristin Teubner won the vault with a 9.85, .055 points ahead of second-place Nicole Argiros of Michigan State.
Senior Katie Simon claimed the all-around victory in the meet, matching a personal high with a 39.175. She won the balance beam event with a 9.8 and posted a season high on the floor exercise (9.825).
Teubner posted a 9.875 on the floor exercise and tied for first on the event. Western Michigan’s Kristine GarBarino matched Teubner’s score en route to a 38.7 all-around score.
Improvement
With a focus on the balance beam during the previous week of practice, Reighard said he was pleased with the scores on the event.
“We had a really good warm-up,” he said. “It was very gratifying to see that (hard work) pay off for us.”
Freshman Britney Taylor finished third overall in the all-around (38.95), scoring a 9.775 on balance beam, floor exercise and vault.
No. 21 Michigan State (194.550) was followed in scoring by Eastern Michigan (191.250). Despite posting a season high (190.875), the Broncos finished in last place.
The University of Michigan, which normally competes in the State of Michigan Classic, did not compete this year.
Reighard said the impact of the performances in the competition could be a turning point.
“It was a great momentum builder, especially going into next week’s showdown against Kent (State).”
The Classic
Despite the success of the State of Michigan Classic, which has been in play for 18 years, the organizers decided to end the event after this year.
Reighard said he is upset about the status of the tournament, but hopeful a new format can be arranged for the next season.
“It was nice to win the last Michigan Classic,” he said, “and we want to make a challenge with some teams from Illinois.”
Central will return from road competition Saturday to compete against rival Kent State. The meet is at 2 p.m. Saturday at Rose Arena.
The Chippewas host Western Michigan on Feb. 21.
