Best of Utah

Recap

The Big Storyline: The Utes impressed on the road, nearing 198.000 in a reasonably scored meet. Kara Eaker scored a deserved 10.000 on beam for a pristine routine. Southern Utah posted a solid 196, and for the third time this season, hit its remaining beam routines after an early lineup fall. Utah State impressed, scoring 195.800 and indicating that the Kristin White era in Logan is off to a great start. After losing so many crucial routines this offseason, Utah State showed no worse for wear. In particular, beam was lovely for the Aggies. Last but certainly not least, BYU improved from its Week 1 total by over a point. However, the 195.175 the Cougars notched is still not a score that BYU will want to keep around come NQS time. On a bright note, Allix Mason debuted a Yurchenko one and a half that should help BYU’s vault lineup as the season progresses.

Implications: For the MRGC, this meet reestablished that reigning conference champs, Utah State, are still a force despite the new coaching staff and massive roster turnover. While many were ready to chalk 2023 up as a rebuilding year for the Aggies, their performance on Friday indicated that this is not the case. Furthermore, this solid 196.175 bodes well for Southern Utah, a team that historically struggles to get usable away scores. For reference, this score would have counted in the team’s NQS last year. Achieving this in Week 2 bodes well for Southern Utah’s seeding aspirations.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 6 Utah, No. 22 Southern Utah, No. 39 BYU, and Utah State

Why You Should Make Time to Tune in: The Best of Utah meet offers a look at three MRGC teams, the conference with the most parity in college gymnastics, as well as perennial national title challenger Utah. The Utes impressed in their season opener, and freshman Makenna Smith emerged as a star. Competing in two meets already, Southern Utah has shown grit. The Thunderbirds hit beam under pressure, recovering from early rotation beam falls on their way to two wins. While BYU had a first meet it would like to forget, this podium meet will be a great opportunity for BYU to get its season moving in the right direction. Utah State will open its season here, offering a first look at the Kristin White era for the Aggies. While White has shown her recruiting chops, it’ll be interesting to see how the Aggies compete after an offseason with lots of turnover. 

Need More Proof? Southern Utah fifth-year Karley McClain posted a massive 39.425 in the all-around on Monday, which should heat up the four-event battle between her and the likes of Utah’s Grace McCallum. Furthermore, after not competing since 2019, BYU senior Rebekah Ripley made her return to competition with this entertaining Barbie Girl-themed floor routine. As a bonus, this meet is being streamed on BYUtv, a free streaming service that has historically had great gymnastics coverage. Just make an account, sign in and you’ll be all set to watch.