Michigan Gymnastics: Season Preview

With the college gymnastics season right around the corner, I'm so pumped to watch some of my favorite gymnasts compete. I'm hoping this is one of the best seasons yet! Everyone always asks me who I'm rooting for, and this season and I'm changing things up a bit by rooting for my home state more than ever....Michigan! Here's a look at what's in store for the University of Michigan gymnastics team!

Photo Credit: University of Michigan

This year, the roster for U of M is bigger and better than ever! They score 3 former elite gymnasts just in their upcoming freshman class. Meet the Wolverines and see some of their accomplishments below.

Natalie Beilstien-Senior

Two-time All American, 2010 NCAA Regional floor champion

Brittnee Martinez-Senior

Big 10 Freshman of the week. (March 2010)

Katie Zurales-Senior

Three-time All American, 2012 NCAA Individual All Around Qualifier

Teresa Arthur-Junior

Did not compete first two seasons because of injury. 4th all around at 2010 Level 10 States.

Stephanie Colbert-Junior

4th all around at 2012 Big 10 Championships

Shelby Gies-Junior

2nd place on bars at 2012 NCAA Regionals

Joanna Sampson-Junior

Two-time NCAA Regional vault champion, 2012 NCAA Championships individual vault qualifier

Reema Zakharia-Junior

2nd place on floor at 2011 NCAA Regionals

Annette Miele-Sophomore

Elite gymnast from 2008-2010, Junior National team member from 2008-2009 

Sachi Sugiyama-Sophomore

2012 Big 10 vault champion, 2nd place on bars at 2012 Big 10 Championships

Lindsay Williams-Freshman

2nd all around at 2012 WOGA Classic, 2nd all around at 2012 National Invitational Tournament

Briley Casanova-Freshman

Elite gymnast from 2008-2010, Junior National team from 2008-2009

Morgan Smith-Freshman

Elite gymnast from 2008-2010, National team from 2008-2010

Austin Sheppard-Freshman

Represented Hungary at 2011 World & European Championships, 11th on vault at Worlds

Michigan is ranked 10th according to the pre season poll. They start the season off with an exhibition against Michigan state this Friday. Their first home meet of the season will be against Nebraska who is currently ranked 7th in the pre season poll. I'd love to see this team make the super 6 at the NCAA Championships this year! Their full meet schedule is below:

Bold indicates a home meet.

December 7th- Michigan State (Exhibition- free admission for all fans!)
January 4th- BYU and Oregon State (Cancun Invitational)
January 12th-Nebraska
January 19th-Illinois
January 26th-Minnesota and Iowa State
February 2nd-Iowa
February 8th-Ohio State
February 18th- Penn State
February 24th- West Virginia, New Hampshire, and Towson
March 2nd-Michigan State
March 10th- UCLA, Iowa State, and California
March 16th-Iowa State
March 23rd-Big 10 Championships
April 6th-NCAA Regional's
April 19th-21st NCAA Championships

(Briley Casanova will join the team on January 4th for the Cancun Invitational)

All Michigan fans can buy their tickets here. Individual tickets will go one sale December 11th.

To tie you over, check out some videos from the pre season intrasquad. Click here to view them!


         


Some of our favorite Wolverines: Reema Zakharia, Natalie Beilstien, Austin Shepphard, Stephanie Colbert, & Briley Casanova

We will be going to a few of the home meets to do live tweets and cover the meet! We are also planning to do a "vlog"/ tour of the Crisler Arena!

Good luck Michigan, this is going to be a great season! Go Blue!


Written by: Ashlee