Central Michigan Captures Regular Season Gymnastics Title
Thursday's Results
Central Michigan 196.175, Ball State 195.125
Story Courtesy of CMU Sports Information
Central Michigan 196.175, Ball State 195.125
Results
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - In his 30-plus years in charge of the program, Central Michigan gymnastics head coach Jerry Reighard has seen a lot of championships.
But the outright Mid-American Conference regular-season title his team clinched with a win over Ball State on Thursday was extra special. CMU is 8-7 and finished 5-1 in the MAC.
"This is a little over 20 championships for me and I don't know if I've had a sweeter championship," said the veteran coach. "This group has earned my respect and I'm just so happy that they were able to capture this title -- a goal they set months ago. Years ago for some of them.
"To see the performance that each person gave, especially the seniors tonight ... very special day for me."
The Chippewas posted a 196.175 team score on Thursday at McGuirk Arena, where they will vie for the double crowns on Saturday, March 24, when they host the MAC Championships. Ball State finished at 195.125.
It was the final regular-season meet for CMU's five seniors: Courtney Campbell, Katy Clements, Macey Hilliker, Bryttany Kaplan and Miranda Wieczorek. The last time CMU won the regular-season title was four years ago, their freshman year.
"The word special really captures this feeling and this achievement of this goal," Clements said "This is something we've been talking about for a really long time, especially our four years here. We did it freshman year and we haven't done it since then so reclaiming that title your senior year is special."
VAULT
Central Michigan tied its season-high score on the vault with a 49.000. CMU sophomore Denelle Pedrick won the event with a 9.900, while Clements tied for second at 9.825. CMU's Nora Fettinger tied her career-high with a 9.750.
UNEVEN BARS
Gianna Plaksa recorded a 9.900 on the uneven bars for the third time this season to lead CMU and take the top spot. Kaplan posted a 9.875 to take second.
BEAM
Clements tied her career-high (9.925) to win the beam and lead a 1-2-3 CMU sweep. Pedrick also tied her career-high with a 9.850 as the Chippewas tied their season high score for the event (49.025). Pedrick was second while Wieczorek (9.825) was third.
FLOOR
Clements also took the top spot on the floor with a 9.875. CMU's Mackenzie Parker recorded a career-best performance (9.825) while taking fourth. Tia Kiaku placed second for Ball State (9.850).
REIGHARD:
"You can be any place else on this campus, but when you're an athlete you learn how to function in real life situations. That's what I've seen each of my seniors done this year and over the past four years. To look back at the young faces they had ... they were babies. Now they're mature women and are about to go out and make their way in life."
"(The MAC Championship) is an event like no other. When you're an athlete, it's all you talk about. It's what you strive for and almost what you live for. Then, to add on that, it's in your home arena. It doesn't get any better than that."
"We are a family. We talk to each other like a family. They listen and respond. A coach can't ask for anything more than that, especially from our seniors."
