Gymnastics Preview: Balance Beam
Jan 02 | Women's Gymnastics
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers gymnastics has improved on balance beam in recent years in making it one of the more consistent events for the Scarlet Knights. With established veterans returning and the addition of talented newcomers, this event has potential once again to be a high scorer. RU went as high as 48.850 in 2017 with a 48.710 Regional Qualifying Score (RQS) overall.
One of the rookies in contention for a spot is reigning Junior Olympic Nationals beam champion Belle Huang. The freshman is set to show off her skills at the collegiate level for the Scarlet Knights. RU also has newcomers Shannon Farrell, Hannah Prieto and Toni Williams to add to the depth.
"Having the support of your teammates and having to depend on others for a successful meet, I think those are some of the biggest transitions," head coach Louis Levine said of the adjustment to the NCAA gymnastics. "We compete a lot more than at the club level, every week you have to be ready to go. But I also think that creates more of a comfort level. I'm excited to get all these girls out here competing and show all the hard work we've been putting in in the last eight months since last season ended."
Seniors Libby Groden and Makenzey Shank are back with experience after totaling a 9.780 and a 9.840 RQS on beam, respectively, last year. Shank earned a 9.800 or higher eight times on balance beam with a season-high of 9.900 and took a spot on the 2017 Big Ten All-Championships Team by tying for first in the opening session with a 9.850 routine at the Big Ten Championships. Groden leveled a consistent performance by taking in a 9.700 or better 12-of-13 times last season.
"To get to the next level on beam we need competitors, like Micki and Libby, to score 9.9s each week," Levine said. "But the expectation for everyone in lineup is to push that number. They have that experience. Going on year four, I expect those two to lead by example and show how to be a great competitor."
The Scarlet Knights will also be looking to returning beam workers such as juniors Michelle Amoresano, Riahanah Ali and Eriel Santagado. The trio combined for 13 routines last season and have shown improvement in the offseason in competition for a spot in lineup.
In addition, sophomores Kaitlyn Hall, Erin McLachlan and Polina Poliakova are expected to be contributors.
"We've done a lot of work on perfection on beam," Levine said. "I think it is one of our stronger events. We have a number of great beam workers, which will create a lot of competition which should result in high scores throughout season."
The Scarlet Knights open the campaign on Jan. 6 at Arizona in a quad meet before heading back to the Livingston Gym on Jan. 13 to take on Illinois, Yale and Southern Connecticut. RU will host four meets overall, including the Big Five Meet at the RAC on March 17. Season tickets can be purchased for $25 by calling 1-866-445-GORU (4678) or by clicking here.
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding women's gymnastics, follow the program on Twitter (@RUGymnastics), Facebook (/RUGymnastics), Instagram (@rutgersgymnastics) and Snapchat (rutgersgym).
One of the rookies in contention for a spot is reigning Junior Olympic Nationals beam champion Belle Huang. The freshman is set to show off her skills at the collegiate level for the Scarlet Knights. RU also has newcomers Shannon Farrell, Hannah Prieto and Toni Williams to add to the depth.
"Having the support of your teammates and having to depend on others for a successful meet, I think those are some of the biggest transitions," head coach Louis Levine said of the adjustment to the NCAA gymnastics. "We compete a lot more than at the club level, every week you have to be ready to go. But I also think that creates more of a comfort level. I'm excited to get all these girls out here competing and show all the hard work we've been putting in in the last eight months since last season ended."
Seniors Libby Groden and Makenzey Shank are back with experience after totaling a 9.780 and a 9.840 RQS on beam, respectively, last year. Shank earned a 9.800 or higher eight times on balance beam with a season-high of 9.900 and took a spot on the 2017 Big Ten All-Championships Team by tying for first in the opening session with a 9.850 routine at the Big Ten Championships. Groden leveled a consistent performance by taking in a 9.700 or better 12-of-13 times last season.
"To get to the next level on beam we need competitors, like Micki and Libby, to score 9.9s each week," Levine said. "But the expectation for everyone in lineup is to push that number. They have that experience. Going on year four, I expect those two to lead by example and show how to be a great competitor."
The Scarlet Knights will also be looking to returning beam workers such as juniors Michelle Amoresano, Riahanah Ali and Eriel Santagado. The trio combined for 13 routines last season and have shown improvement in the offseason in competition for a spot in lineup.
In addition, sophomores Kaitlyn Hall, Erin McLachlan and Polina Poliakova are expected to be contributors.
"We've done a lot of work on perfection on beam," Levine said. "I think it is one of our stronger events. We have a number of great beam workers, which will create a lot of competition which should result in high scores throughout season."
The Scarlet Knights open the campaign on Jan. 6 at Arizona in a quad meet before heading back to the Livingston Gym on Jan. 13 to take on Illinois, Yale and Southern Connecticut. RU will host four meets overall, including the Big Five Meet at the RAC on March 17. Season tickets can be purchased for $25 by calling 1-866-445-GORU (4678) or by clicking here.
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding women's gymnastics, follow the program on Twitter (@RUGymnastics), Facebook (/RUGymnastics), Instagram (@rutgersgymnastics) and Snapchat (rutgersgym).
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Gymnastics
/ Women's Gymnastics
/ Women's Gymnastics
/ Women's Gymnastics
/ Women's Gymnastics
/ Women's Gymnastics
/ Women's Gymnastics
/ Women's Gymnastics
/ Women's Gymnastics
/ Women's Gymnastics
/ Women's Gymnastics
/ Women's Gymnastics
Rutgers Athletics Launches the Athletic Excellence Fund
Monday, October 06
R Fund, Knights of the Raritan are YouKnighted | Million Dollar Match
Friday, February 28
Rutgers x Nike Apparel Partnership
Thursday, December 19
Rutgers Athletics 2023-24 Year in Review
Friday, July 12
