As we have dived deep in the new year, a season of thrilling competition for college gymnasts commences. As a former gymnast, I continue roaring to the sound of chalk rasping over the grips as the gymnast prepares for her bar routine. I continue to drain the life from my vocal cords at the gymnast ripping through the runaway as she bounds into her vault pass. To the junior Olympians who exude blood, sweat, tears, and chalk, I'd like to congratulate you on your eminence, tireless performance, and mastery.
The gymnastics teams shown below ranked best in the United States according to the NCAA:
1. The University of Oklahoma
Oklahoma opened the 2018 season with an impressive win over Georgia, scoring 197.538 points out of 200 in total. Freshmen Maggie Nichols swept the meet, receiving the highest scores for every apparatus and highest All-Around score.
2. Louisiana State University
Ranked second in the country, the Tigers score an average of 197.238. Their win marked the third straight over with the Florida Gators. Louisiana's freshmen wave through their first two meets taking the lead in great vault. Best of luck to you, Fighting Tigers, as I anticipate you to snatch the top prize during this year's NCAA Championships.
3. The University of Utah
The Utes have an optimistic outlook on the season with their tenacious opponents being LSU, UCLA and Oklahoma. Ranked third in the country and scoring an average of 197.142 points on their first meet, the Utes need incessant amounts of luck in order for a sensational season.
4. The University of California, Los Angeles
Ranked fourth in the country, UCLA scored an average of 196.917 points after the first two meets. The Bruins did not allow Wildcat fans to taunt their game as they secured their third-straight victory against Arizona to begin the season. Oh, and I guess having a gold-winning Olympic medalist and uneven bar wizard improves the game.
5. The University of Florida
In the meeting of collegiate gymnastics teams ranked sixth, it was Florida culminating the win over Kentucky. Gymnastics coach Jenny Rowland states her team's improvement is apparent. In addition, Florida saw a multitude of personal victories with five gymnasts leaving the Memorial Colosseum with season-best scores.
