Gustavus Gymnastics Finishes Season Strong, Sets Vault Record at WIAC Championships
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LA CROSSE, wis. – The Gustavus Adolphus college gymnastics team concluded its season on a high note at the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Championships on Saturday, march 8. Hosted by UW-La Crosse at Mitchell Hall Gymnasium, the Gusties showcased their dedication and improvement throughout the year, finishing seventh out of nine teams. The team’s performance was highlighted by a record-breaking vault score and their second-highest total score of the season.
The Gustavus gymnastics team wrapped up their competitive year at the WIAC Championships in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The team achieved a total score of 188.500, marking their second-highest team total of the season. The Gusties also broke the program vault record for the fifth time this season, totaling an extraordinary 48.025. career-high scores on vault from Malia Narciso and Lily Horsch further underscored the team’s extraordinary performance.
Record-Breaking Vault Performance
The Gustavus gymnastics team etched their names in the program’s history books at the WIAC Championships, shattering the program vault record for the fifth time this season. The team achieved a remarkable total score of 48.025 on the vault, marking the first time in program history that they have surpassed the 48-point threshold on this apparatus. this achievement underscores the team’s unwavering dedication to improvement and their ability to perform under pressure.
Malia Narciso, a first-year gymnast hailing from Roseburg, oregon, and Lily Horsch, a senior from Somonauk, Illinois, both delivered exceptional performances on the vault, setting new career-high scores. Their contributions were pivotal to the team’s record-breaking vault total, showcasing the blend of emerging talent and seasoned experience within the Gustavus gymnastics program.
Overall Team Performance
In addition to their record-breaking vault performance, the Gusties demonstrated remarkable consistency across all events at the WIAC Championships. The team scored 47.000 on the beam, 47.950 on the floor exercise, and 45.525 on the uneven bars. These scores contributed to an overall team total of 188.500, the fourth-highest in program history and only the fourth time the team has surpassed the 188-point mark, highlighting the depth and breadth of their gymnastic abilities.
UW-Oshkosh secured first place at the meet with a total score of 193.925, demonstrating their dominance in the conference. UW-La Crosse followed closely in second place with 192.975, while UW-Whitewater took third with 192.850, and Winona state finished fourth with 191.900, showcasing the competitive landscape of the WIAC gymnastics scene.
individual Highlights
Several Gustavus gymnasts delivered standout performances at the WIAC Championships, contributing substantially to the team’s overall success.Kate Clairmont, a first-year gymnast from Grand Rapids, Minnesota, led the Gusties on the beam with a score of 9.550, narrowly missing her personal best. Olivia jahnke and Maddox Lee also contributed strong scores on the beam, with 9.525 and 9.500, respectively, demonstrating the depth of talent within the Gustavus beam lineup.
On the floor exercise, Lili Guy led the squad with a score of 9.775, matching her personal and season best. Michaud added a new career-high of 9.750, and Jahnke scored 9.725, also a season-best. Lindsay Bangs finished with her second-highest score of the season at 9.650, showcasing the team’s strength and artistry on the floor.
Maddox Lee led the team on the uneven bars with a score of 9.475, followed by Cara Wong with a new season- and career-best 9.225, highlighting the individual growth and development of the Gusties throughout the season.
All-Around Competition
Michaud and Wong represented Gustavus in the all-around competition at the WIAC Championships, showcasing their versatility and skill across all four events. michaud totaled 36.850, while Wong scored 37.100, marking the fourth time in her rookie season that she surpassed 37 in her all-around total, demonstrating her consistency and potential as a rising star in the WIAC.
WIAC Season Awards
The WIAC also recognized its season award winners, honoring each Athlete of the Week from 2024-25, and also the Gymnast, newcomer, Coach, and Scholar Athlete of the Year. Oshkosh’s Delaney Cienkus won Gymnast of the Year, while Stout’s Jamie Beatty was selected as the Newcomer, Eau Claire’s Toth the Scholar Athlete, and Whitewater’s Jennifer Regan the Coach of the Year, celebrating the outstanding achievements of individuals across the conference.
Kaylee Bauder was named to the WIAC All-Sportsmanship team, recognizing her commitment to fair play and sportsmanship. Wong (all-around), Michaud (all-around), and Guy (floor) earned All-Conference honors for finishing in the top six of their respective events, highlighting their exceptional performances and contributions to the Gustavus gymnastics program.
Looking Ahead
Gustavus is set to host the 2025 NCGA Division III National Championships on March 22 in Saint Peter at Gus Young Court. This event will provide an opportunity for the team to showcase their talent on a national stage and further elevate the profile of Gustavus gymnastics, solidifying their position as a competitive force in Division III gymnastics.
Key Performances Highlighted
Kate Clairmont’s performance on the beam stood out, with a score of 9.550. According to the team, this was her third-highest score of the season with a 9.550, 0.025 shy of her personal-best.
Lili Guy’s consistency on the floor exercise was also noteworthy.The team reported that Guy has now scored a 9.775 on floor in her last three consecutive meets.
Lily Horsch achieved a critically important milestone on the vault, with the team noting that she collected a 9.725, which was a career- and season-best for horsch and her first time scoring above a 9.700.
Conclusion
The Gustavus gymnastics team’s performance at the WIAC Championships marked a prosperous conclusion to their season. With a record-breaking vault performance and consistent scores across all events, the Gusties demonstrated their commitment to excellence and their potential for future success. The team looks forward to hosting the 2025 NCGA Division III National Championships and continuing to build on their achievements, solidifying their place as a program on the rise in collegiate gymnastics.
Gustavus Gymnastics Soars: A Record-Breaking Season & What it Means for the Future of Collegiate Gymnastics
Did you know that a small college gymnastics team just shattered its own vault record five times in a single season? This incredible feat by the Gustavus Adolphus College gymnastics team demonstrates not just athletic prowess, but also the power of consistent training, strategic coaching, and unwavering team spirit. Let’s delve into their remarkable success with Dr. Evelyn Reed,a leading expert in collegiate gymnastics program development.
World-Today-News.com Editor: Dr. Reed, the Gustavus Adolphus gymnastics team’s performance at the WIAC Championships was truly exceptional. What are some of the key factors that contributed to their record-breaking vault score and overall team success?
Dr. Reed: The Gustavus Adolphus team’s success is a testament to a multifaceted approach. Their achievement highlights the importance of consistent training regimens, innovative coaching strategies, and strong team cohesion. Achieving a record-breaking vault score,which,as you correctly pointed out,was achieved five times in a single season, requires not only individual skill but also synchronized execution and mutual support. We see that clearly in the triumphant performances by both experienced gymnasts like Lily Horsch and emerging talent like Malia narciso. their combined scores are a compelling example of how blending experience and new talent fuels success in team sports.
World-Today-News.com Editor: The team’s success also stemmed from strong performances across all apparatuses – beam, floor exercise, and uneven bars. How vital is this well-rounded approach to overall team performance and competitiveness in collegiate gymnastics?
Dr. Reed: A well-rounded approach is absolutely crucial. Focusing solely on one apparatus can create vulnerabilities in a team’s overall score. Gustavus’s consistent performance across beam, floor, and bars demonstrates strategic coaching that prioritizes well-rounded athlete development. The ability to deliver high-scoring routines across different apparatuses is a clear indication of a strong training program that prioritizes versatility and skill development. This balanced approach reduces reliance on single strong events, ensuring a far more competitive edge in the highly competitive world of collegiate gymnastics. Think of it like a strong portfolio – you need diversity in assets to ensure solid overall performance.
World-Today-News.com Editor: The article highlights the individual achievements of several gymnasts. Is there a particular leadership style or team dynamic that fostered such remarkable individual and collective success?
Dr. Reed: Gustavus Adolphus clearly cultivated a supportive and empowering team culture; This emphasizes that individual success contributes directly to heightened team performance. The team habitat seems to prioritize individual growth while fostering mutual respect and collaborative effort. We see this in several individual stories, like Lili Guy’s outstanding floor routine consistency and Kate Clairmont’s near personal best on the beam. This sort of positive feedback loop significantly enhances performance in team environments. These individual highlights, while crucial, are all part of the whole and that is vital for success.
World-Today-News.com Editor: Looking ahead, what can other collegiate gymnastics programs learn from Gustavus Adolphus’s remarkable season?
dr. Reed: Gustavus adolphus provides an excellent model for other programs to emulate. Key takeaways for aspiring collegiate gymnastics programs include:
prioritize a holistic training regimen: Focus on all events to create well-rounded athletes.
Foster a supportive team culture: Encourage collaboration and mutual support among team members.
Embrace innovative coaching strategies: Find ways to maximize individual potential and drive both individual and team performance.
Blend experience with emerging talent: Utilize the strengths of both experienced gymnasts and promising newcomers who have unique skills and dynamic potential.
* Celebrate individual achievements: Recognise and champion success on multiple levels, recognizing individual excellence boosts team morale.
World-Today-News.com Editor: The team is hosting the 2025 NCGA Division III National Championships. What are the key factors that contribute to successful tournament hosting and participation?
Dr.Reed: Successfully hosting a national championship involves meaningful planning and meticulous execution. It requires excellent facility management, effective event institution, diligent dialog, and meticulous logistics. The positive outcomes, of course, are increased visibility, a heightened sense of team spirit, and the experience itself, which serves as valuable readiness and a building block for future success!
World-Today-News.com Editor: Dr. Reed, thank you for your insights. This has been illuminating.
Dr. Reed: My pleasure. The Gustavus Adolphus team’s achievements are a testament to dedication and hard work. Their success will inspire many aspiring gymnasts and programs alike.
What are your thoughts on the Gustavus Adolphus gymnastics team’s incredible season? Share your comments and engage with fellow gymnastics enthusiasts on social media!
