Bowling Green State University Athletics
Gymnastics Opens 2006 Season This Weekend
January 12, 2006 | Gymnastics
Jan. 12, 2006
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - The Bowling Green State University gymnastics team opens their 2006 season this weekend with the All-Ohio Championships, hosted by the Ohio State University at 7:00 p.m. The three-team meet includes the Falcons, Buckeyes and the defending champion Kent State Golden Flashes.
BGSU returns 18 gymnasts from last year's squad that had several memorable performances in 2005. At the top of that list is the all-time BGSU score, posting a 196.100 team score in wins over Southeast Missouri State and Wisconsin-Oshkosh last season. The departure of Kristin DiPietro, Kari Elste and Breanne Metzger will open some voids for the Falcons but a promising incoming class, as well as improvement from several other Falcons could make the 2006 season an unforgettable year.
Here is a breakdown of each event for the Brown and Orange:
BEAM
On the balance beam the Falcons return their top four performers from last season. Jessica Guyer, an All-MAC candidate, recorded three scores of 9.800 or higher last season and will be joined by sophomore Jessica Ewart (9.850 vs. Semo), junior Bethany Kenel (9.825 vs. Semo) and senior Jessica Bradley (9.800 vs. Kent State) to form a deep group on the beam.
BARS
On bars Bradley will lead a young group in this event. Bradley scored at least a 9.700 in eight separate meets, including a career-high 9.875 in the win over Semo. She is joined by junior Sakura Tomita (9.800 vs. Semo) and Ewart (9.775 vs. Kent State) for the Falcons top returners on bars.
VAULT
The vault could be a very strong event for the Orange and Brown throughout the 2006 season. The Falcons scored over 48.000 in every meet except one last season. Sophomore Jayme Stambaugh is the top Falcon returner on the vault, posting a 9.825 at the All-Ohio meet, finishing first among 18 competitors. She is joined by Guyer (four first-place finishes), junior Jessica McArthur (9.775 vs. Semo) and sophomore Jacquelyn Bernhardt (9.750 vs. W. Michigan).
FLOOR
For several season the floor exercise has been the most exciting event for BGSU. Last season alone the Orange and Brown scored over 48.500 six different times, including a 49.300 versus Semo. Guyer leads the group on the floor after recording six first-place finishes throughout the year. She is joined by junior Erin Coudriet, who scored a 9.875 versus Semo. Bernhardt (9.800 vs. Semo) and Kenel (9.800 vs. C. Michigan) will provide depth to the most anticipated event for BGSU.
