Three Takeaways From Second Gymnastics Intrasquad
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas gymnastics team finished week six of practice with its second intrasquad meet inside the Huntley Gymnastics Training Center.
With three seniors and five newcomers, here are three takeaways from the second intrasquad:
Strong on Bars and Beam
The Razorbacks looked solid on the uneven bars and balance beam Friday, completing all routines on bars and 6-of-8 on the beam in just the second intrasquad meet.
“Bars were outstanding today,” Head coach Mark Cook said. “We made all of our routines over there and it’s pretty early in the preseason for that so I’m happy with the progress there. We’re just working on our progress and getting our routines ready for competition.”
Experience Matters
The Razorbacks return ten from the 2016 season highlighted by upperclassmen Amanda Wellick, Makenzie Anderson, Braie Speed, and Mia Bargiacchi. Wellick, a two-time All-American returns after suffering a season-ending injury last January and missed what would be her senior season. Speed was the 2017 regional vault champion while earning a spot at the NCAA Individuals with then freshman Jessica Yamzon.
Plenty of Fresh Faces
Head coach Mark Cook welcomed five new freshmen to the team in 2017 in Sophia Carter, Kailey Gillings, Sydney Laird, Lakin Legereit and Ellie Wylie, all of which were Level 10 gymnasts prior to joining the Razorback. The Razorbacks also welcomed two new members to the coaching staff in assistant coach Garrett Griffeth and volunteer assistant coach Courtney McCool Griffeth.
“Sophia Carter is pretty solid,” Cook said. “She’s on all four events and definitely stepping up as a freshman.”
The Razorbacks face a loaded 2018 schedule that includes four teams from last year’s Super Six, including the defending national champion Oklahoma Sooners. Thirteen of 15 opponents were NCAA Regional participants in 2017, while six were among the final 12 teams that advanced to the NCAA Championships.
The 2018 season begins January 5 in Baton Rouge, La., as the Razorbacks face last year’s national runner-up LSU, with the home schedule beginning a week later. Arkansas will host five meets inside Barnhill Arena, including Southeastern Conference matchups between Kentucky (Jan. 12), Georgia (Jan. 26) and Auburn (Feb. 9). The full schedule can be found here.
The season ticket renewal deadline is November 29. Season ticket packages for all five regular-season meets are $25 for general admission and $40 for reserved seating. Tickets can be purchased by calling 1-800-982-4647.
For more information follow @RazorbackGym on Twitter.
