Things Are Happening – November 30, 2018

November 30, 2018 balancebeamsituation 4 Comments

A. USAG leadership whatevers

My case of USAG news fatigue syndrome is overwhelming. Anyway.

This week, Karen Golz “completed her service” as the chair of USAG’s board. Oh THANK you for your SERVICE, you American hero. Save your applause for the end!

She has been replaced by basically the same person, I think. The new chair is named Golfy Brand-Management, and she’s really into golfing and brand management. So we’re cured. Is there just a secret cabal of golf-business ladies that meets around the ninth green to Macbeth it up and give each other positions in the US Olympic movement?

Her introductory message is hilarious. Definitely read it. Best parts:

-“Some” challenges (yeah, I can think of a few)
-That tacked-on part about survivors that was obviously added after the first edit (nothing says “I care about this sentence” like starting with a conjunction—the resentment is thick like molasses)
-The reference to athletes finding success “both in the gym and in competition” (that’s not…those are…you meant “both in the gym and outside the gym” or something…)
-The exciting thing is that “we continue to maintain our membership.” Great. Hi, they barely have a choice, and that shouldn’t be the most exciting thing.

It’s all just so effing revealing.

USAG is also on the hunt for a new CEO, you guys. You know, that plum gig. Because everything’s fine. The board undertook an exhaustive search for the qualities that a new CEO should possess and the list is basically 1) proficiency in Microsoft Office and 2) a good attitude. When your list of qualities for CEO reads like a resume of nonspecific, uncheckable lies you wrote for a job you’re totally unqualified for, it’s a problem.

When it comes down to it, the sole qualification will be “actually wants to captain this sinking ship through a bankruptcy process.” And the winner is no one.

Oh. Also. Fun little note. USAG has decided not to acquiesce to decertification (because it’s about the gymnasts…) and will instead fight the process. That means that the USOC and USAG are continuing to have this horrendously public breakup on the quad as the USOC pursues stripping USAG of its national governing body status.

I live for the USOC playing out this little skit of “we can’t believe that USAG is so awful and we have to step in for the good of the athletes” like that’s something the USOC suddenly cares about—and like they’re not totally intertwined in responsibility and consequences.

B. You’re all the worst Continue reading Things Are Happening – November 30, 2018 →

Season Preview

2019 NCAA Roster Notes

November 29, 2018 balancebeamsituation 20 Comments

I’ll have deep previews of the top schools coming in December, but for now—and with fantasy gym drafts open—check out the team roster notes to aid with all your lineup preparation and prognostication needs. (More teams to be added.)

UCLA
*Seniors*
Brielle Nguyen	BB FX	Competed 13 BB routines in 2018 following transfer from Illinois — RQS of 9.850 Competed weekly FX in ’17 for Illinois
Katelyn Ohashi	VT UB BB FX	Ranked #1 in nation on FX, #3 on BB in 2018 RQS of 9.970 on FX, 9.945 on BB Competed 12 UB routines for 9.696 avg (scored 9.8+ on 7 of 12) VTed 4 times for 9.831 average
Stella Savvidou		Did not compete in 2018 due to injury Further wrist surgery in October Made final UB lineup in 2017
Macy Toronjo	FX	Did not compete in 2018 due to injury Is no longer listed as taking a redshirt year Competed 8 FXs in 2017, peaking at 9.950
*Juniors*
Anna Glenn	VT UB BB	Returned from 2017 labrum injury to make final VT, UB lineups in 2018 – VT RQS of 9.825 Competed 5 UB routines, peak of 9.875 Competed one BB routine for 9.900
Grace Glenn	BB	Returned from 2017 labrum injury to compete BB in every meet in 2018 Hit 15 for 15 routines — RQS of 9.925
Felicia Hano	VT BB FX	Competed weekly VT, FX in 2018 — ranked #7 nationally on FX RQS of 9.935 on FX, 9.900 on VT for Y1.5 Competed 2 BB routines (9.775 avg) and one UB routine (9.025) in 2018
Madison Kocian	VT UB BB FX	Returned from shoulder surgery to compete 13 BBs, 8 FXs, and 3 UBs in 2018 RQS of 9.875 on BB Average of 9.861 on FX, 9.863 on UB Also competed weekly VT in 2017 for 9.860 RQS
Gracie Kramer	VT FX	Competed 13 FXs in 2018 for 9.890 RQS Has 10.0 start VT, competed twice in 2018, hitting once VTed 10 times in 2017 for 9.810 RQS
Giulianna Pino		Did not compete in first two seasons
Kyla Ross	VT UB BB FX	Competed AA in 10 of 15 meets in 2018 Ranked #1 nationally on UB RQS of 9.960 on UB, 9.910 on BB, 9.895 on VT, 9.890 on FX
Mercedez Sanchez		Did not compete in first two seasons
*Sophomores*
Nia Dennis	VT UB BB FX	Competed VT, UB every week in 2018 Competed 11 FX routines and 3 BB routines RQS of 9.885 on VT, 9.880 on UB, 9.860 on FX Average of 9.792 on BB
Savannah Kooyman	UB FX	Provided backup routines on UB, FX in 2018 Competed 3 UBs (9.800 avg) and 1 BB (9.825)
Kendal Poston		Did not compete in first season
Pauline Tratz	VT FX	Competed VT, FX in 14 of 15 meets in 2018 RQS of 9.910 on FX, 9.875 on VT Has potential 10.0 start on VT
*Freshmen*
Norah Flatley	UB BB FX	Chow’s 3rd at 2014 Junior P&G Championships Expected to be replacement-Peng on UB and BB
Margzetta Frazier	VT UB BB FX	Parkettes Is continuing to train DTY on VT Will be counted on for VT, FX, and UB. Can provide BB as needed
Sara Taubman		Head over Heels 12th AA, 2018 Region 1s
Sekai Wright	VT FX	AGA Long Beach 1st on VT, 2018 JO Nationals Has Yurchenko 1.5

OKLAHOMA
*Seniors*
Brenna Dowell	VT UB BB FX	Competed VT, UB, FX every meet in 2018 Hit 45-for-45 routines RQS of 9.945 on VT, 9.915 on FX, 9.910 on UB Performed 1 exhibition on BB in 2018
Ashley Hiller	FX	Did not compete in 2018 following transfer from Florida Competed 4 FXs, 1 VT in first two years at UF
Nicole Lehrmann	VT UB BB FX	Competed VT, UB, BB every meet in 2018 Ranked #5 nationally on UB RQS of 9.955 on UB, 9.885 on BB, 9.870 on VT Competed 4 FXs in 2018 for 9.806 avg Training Y1.5
Alex Marks	VT	Competed 7 VTs in 2018 for 9.835 RQS
*Juniors*
Jade DeGouveia	VT FX	Missed majority of 2018 season with injury Returned on VT at nationals for 9.894 avg Vaults 10.0-start Y1.5 Hit 1 of 2 FX routines in 2018
Maggie Nichols	VT UB BB FX	Ranked #1 nationally in AA in 2018 Ranked #1 nationally on VT, #2 on BB, #3 on FX, and #7 on UB No RQS lower than 9.950 in 2018 season
Brehanna Showers	VT UB BB FX	Returned from injury in 2018 to make all four postseason lineups RQS of 9.910 on BB, 9.875 on FX, 9.845 on VT Average of 9.854 on UB
*Sophomores*
Jordan Draper	FX	Competed 1 FX in 2018 for 9.775
Evy Schoepfer	VT FX	Competed 10 FXs for 9.855 RQS in 2018 Performed 2 VTs for 9.813 avg Trained Y1.5 on VT
Karrie Thomas	UB BB FX	Transfer from Maryland Competed weekly UB, BB, FX for Maryland in 2018 RQS of 9.850 FX, 9.820 UB, 9.795 BB
Anastasia Webb	VT UB BB FX	Competed AA in 10 of 15 meets in 2018 Made final S6 lineups on UB, BB, FX RQS of 9.915 FX, 9.910 BB, 9.900 UB, 9.890 VT Can VT 10.0 start Omelianchik or Y1.5
Carly Woodard	BB	Competed 5 BBs in 2018, hitting 4 Peak score of 9.950
*Freshmen*
Emma LaPinta	FX	Kurt Thomas 20th AA, 2018 JO Nationals
Allie Stern	VT FX	Perfect Balance 1st place VT, 2017 JO Nationals
Olivia Trautman	VT UB BB FX	Twin City 3rd AA, 1st FX – 2018 JO Nationals Has Y1.5 on VT

FLORIDA
*Seniors*
Alicia Boren	VT UB BB FX	Competed AA every week in 2018 RQS of 9.930 FX, 9.920 BB, 9.880 UB, 9.870 VT #1 returning RQS on VT, BB, FX 10.0-start Y1.5 on VT
Amanda Cheney		Did not compete in 2018 Competed 5 BBs, 1 VT in 2017
*Juniors*
Sierra Alexander	VT	Competed 4 VTs in 2018 before injury Average of 9.763
Maegan Chant	VT UB	Competed 1 VT in 2018 for 9.825 Made final 2017 UB lineup for 9.820 Can provide 10.0-start Tsuk 1/1 on VT
Rachel Gowey	VT UB BB FX	Made final 2018 lineups on UB, BB, FX RQS of 9.915 BB, 9.885 UB Showed 4 VTs for 9.831 average
Amelia Hundley	VT UB BB FX	Competed AA in 6 meets in 2018 Made final lineups on all four events RQS of 9.905 UB. 9.865 BB, 9.825 FX #1 returning score on UB VT avg of 9.832
*Sophomores*
Alyssa Baumann	VT UB BB FX	Competed BB, FX every week in 2018 Ranked #10 nationally on BB RQS of 9.920 BB, 9.900 FX VTed 4 times for 9.733 avg
Jazmyn Foberg		Elbow surgery in November, likely out for 2019 RQS of 9.850 VT, 9.840 UB in 2018
Megan Skaggs	VT UB BB FX	Made final 2018 lineups on VT, UB, BB RQS of 9.860 BB, 9.840 UB Avg of 9.795 VT, 9.706 FX
Nicole Webb	BB	Showed one BB routine in 2018 for 9.725
*Freshmen*
Leah Clapper	VT UB BB FX	Gym America 9th AA, 2018 JO Nationals Senior elite, 2016-2017
Sydney Johnson-Scharpf	VT UB BB FX	Brandy Johnson’s US elite, 2013-2017
Nya Reed	VT FX	Capital 4th VT, FX – 2018 JO Nationals
Savannah Schoenherr	VT UB BB FX	Georgia Elite 2nd AA, 2018 JO Nationals Y1.5 on VT
Halley Taylor	FX	La Fleur’s 8th AA, 2018 JO Nationals 6th VT, 2013 Junior Classic
Trinity Thomas	VT UB BB FX	Prestige US elite, 2015-present Y1.5 on VT

LSU
*Seniors*
Julianna Cannamela	VT BB FX	Competed 14 VTs in 2018 for 9.870 RQS Has potential Y1.5 on VT Competed 5 FXs (9.845), 2 BBs (9.162)
Sarah Finnegan	VT UB BB FX	Competed AA in 13 of 16 meets in 2018 Ranked #1 nationally on UB, #4 on BB, #7 on FX RQS of 9.960 UB, 9.940 BB, 9.935 FX, 9.885 VT
Lexie Priessman	VT UB FX	Made final 2018 lineups on UB, FX Ranked #7 nationally on UB (9.950) Competed 9 VTs (9.870), 7 FXs (9.863 avg)
*Juniors*
Kennedi Edney	VT UB BB FX	Competed AA in 13 of 16 meets in 2018 Team’s top returning VT score (9.900) RQS of 9.930 FX, 9.915 UB, 9.870 BB
Ruby Harrold	VT UB FX	Competed regular VT, UB in 2018 RQS of 9.845 UB, Avg of 9.733 on VT Hit 4 of 5 FX routines in 2018
McKenna Kelley (redshirt)	VT FX	Missed 2018 season with torn Achilles 9.925 RQS on FX in 2017 Competed 1 VT in 2017 for 9.825
Ashlyn Kirby	UB BB FX	Competed FX each week for 9.870 RQS Competed 2 UBs in 2018 (9.113 avg)
*Sophomores*
Reagan Campbell	BB	Competed weekly BB for 9.840 RQS in 2018
Bridget Dean	BB	Did not compete in 2018
Christina Desiderio	VT BB FX	Made final 2018 lineups on BB, FX RQS of 9.900 BB, 9.820 FX
Sami Durante	UB BB	Competed UB weekly in 2018 for 9.880
Sarah Edwards	VT FX	Competed Y1.5 VT each week in 2018 for 9.880 RQS Provided early-season FX for 9.865 RQS
Olivia Gunter		Did not compete in 2018
*Freshmen*
Rebecca D’Antonio	BB	Cypress Pointe 3rd AA, 2018 Region 8s Possible BB depth
Bailey Ferrer	VT UB FX	Brandy Johnson’s US elite, 2013-2014 VTs 10.0 start Omelianchik Expected to contribute VT and FX with possible UB

Continue reading 2019 NCAA Roster Notes →

Freshman Preview

Meet the Freshmen – Michigan & Washington

November 26, 2018 balancebeamsituation 15 Comments

MICHIGAN

I’ve run out of conference and geographical reasons for pairing teams in these freshman previews, so the theme of this pairing is just Elise Ray (exactly like your life).

Michigan will need to be in reinvention mode in 2019, returning just 11 of the 24 routines that competed at regionals last season (though that was also without the injured Olivia Karas, who will be back this season). Normally, having to replace that many routines would be a red flag, but this is the strongest freshman class Michigan has welcomed in quite a while. With four JO all-around stars, this class brings 16 actual, legitimate routines and could certainly end up providing half of Michigan’s lineups in the 2019 season.

Michigan Freshmen 2019
Natalie Wojcik	VT	UB	BB	FX
Wojcik won her division at JO nationals this year, placing no worse than 5th on any event. I’d pick her as the most likely of the freshmen to be an all-arounder this season, though we could see several of them wind up in all four lineups. The star of Wojcik’s gymnastics is a stellar Y1.5 that will be an anchor-position quality vault for 9.9s. It’s the knees that set her 1.5 apart. In a lot of NCAA 1.5s, you see that indistinct knee softness in the air, but not with Wojcik’s. Beam is typically a great event for Wojcik as well, where she shows solidity, an extended aerial, hit leaps, everything we’re looking for. Check, check, check. Bars hasn’t always been the big winning score for her, but the piked Jaeger and DLO are huge enough to be worth it in a routine that should see time. On floor, this freshman class as a group has been successful more because of cleanliness than because of difficulty (it’s almost entirely a double pike squad), but of the double pike routines in this class, Wojcik’s is the most convincing to me.
Abby Brenner	VT	UB	BB	FX
Like Wojcik, Brenner is also a JO national champion (winning her division in 2017) and also brings a Y1.5 on vault that looks like a sure thing for the lineup. It’s a big, necessary yes from me in a lineup that could end up with five Y1.5s if everyone is healthy and back up to full difficulty. That’s a significant reason Michigan continues looking its usual amount of threatening this season. There are teams expecting to make the top 8 that definitely won’t have that many 10.0s on vault. Equally important will be Brenner’s floor. She’s the one among these freshmen who has shown the big power element with a piked full-in, helping make her the most likely newbie to get into the floor lineup. Bars also looks very believable with precise handstands, a Jaeger, and a DLO 1/1 that can become a regular DLO in NCAA for the scores. We probably won’t see much of Brenner on beam this year—it’s never been her big event—but she has a routine should the team need it.
Abby Heiskell	VT	UB	BB	FX
Heiskell is not to be left off the JO champion trolley, having won her division in 2016. She’ll be Michigan’s “I’m ready to go up 2nd in any lineup, where do you need me? Everywhere? Great” gymnast this season. Her spark-plug beam routine has been a good score in limited competition opportunities over the last year or so—with solid legs on her loso series—and her floor presents another very believable double pike option depending on need. On bars, we’ve seen efficient handstands and a well-performed Jaeger and Pak over the years, which make that set a real option. Heiskell’s best scores in JO, as is somewhat normal, have come on vault, where she delivers a massive Yfull. If all five of the expected Y1.5s come through, Michigan will still be looking for a full to join them in the lineup of six, and I like Heiskell’s full for that role.
Madison Mariani	VT	UB	BB	FX
To me, Mariani’s most impressive event is beam. I look at that side aerial to split jump in the above video, and I’m very ready to put it in the lineup. Michigan needs a lot of new beam this season (ideally three actual, lineup routines from this freshman class), so expect to see Mariani there. On bars, the height she gets on her Tkatchev can also make that routine a compelling option as long as the leg precision is there. Vault and floor should be added to the “as needed” pile. On vault, Mariani also presents a high, lineup-realistic full we could see depending on who’s healthy and sticking, and while I haven’t seen video of floor in quite a while, the skills are there and Mariani’s 2017 JO scores were quite impressive.

WASHINGTON

Continue reading Meet the Freshmen – Michigan & Washington →

Live Blog

Cottbus World Cup – Finals Live Blog Day 2

November 25, 2018 balancebeamsituation 22 Comments

You can follow the overall Olympic qualification standings here, always linked at the top of the site. Today, we have finals on the remaining five events, beginning with beam and men’s vault.

First, the little boys are demonstrating back extension rolls while Carlos Yulo looks on going, “Same,” and then we’re conducting the competition for most German possible man. The winner is everyone.

Oh god, the world feed has our nemesis doing commentary. It was better yesterday when there was no sound. I’m torn between wanting to watch on mute and being afraid I’ll miss something insane that I need to know about forever. Oh. Jorge is still “Yorg.”

BEAM & MEN’S VAULT Continue reading Cottbus World Cup – Finals Live Blog Day 2 →

Balance Beam Situation