2020 Gymnastics Season Preview
1/7/2020
The 2019 season ushered in an exciting new era for Rutgers gymnastics as Umme Salim-Beasley returned “To the Banks” to take over the helm of the program. The team embraces the second year of Salim-Beasley's tenure with, perhaps, even more excitement and confidence, catapulting off a season that saw the Scarlet Knights earn most improved team honors under a first-year head coach.
RU exceeded expectations and set a foundation in a single year under the new staff. The Scarlet Knights scored as high as 196.050 in 2019, earned two Big Ten wins over ranked opponents and saw Belle Huang score a 9.900 at NCAA Regionals to tie the individual program record at the meet. Huang became the second gymnast to garner All-Big Ten honors. Overall, RU had 12 routines of 9.900 or better across the four events.
The Scarlet Knights look to capitalize on the momentum and confidence this 2020 season.
2020 VISION
"We are so pleased with how the team was able to come out fighting last year.They were so determined to be successful,” said Salim-Beasley. “This year’s team has the confidence that they found from last year to help propel them in to this season. They are focused on taking that confidence and using it to aggressively attack their routines. We expect to see more polish within our routines this season.
“This team has come together very well this year. They are extremely supportive and encouraging of each other. It’s nice to see the genuine feeling of care they have for each other.”
ROSTER
Eleven Scarlet Knights return to the roster, while welcoming eight freshmen. The young squad will be captained by experienced seniors Shannon Farrell and Kaitlyn Hall.
“A young team can be a challenge at times. They can be unpredictable because you just haven’t had an opportunity to see them in competition yet. What has been great about having a large freshmen class is that they create a fresh energy,” said Salim-Beasley. “They are so eager to get out and show what they are capable of. Our upperclassmen are always there to encourage them and given them advice. We have a very unique balance of leadership and determination.”
SCHEDULE
The 2020 schedule boasts four home meets and eight away competitions. On Saturday, Jan. 11, the season begins with a quad meet at Arizona, including Iowa State and Western Michigan. The Scarlet Knights then return to the RAC on Jan. 18 for its home opener with Minnesota, Bowling Green and Ursinus.
“The first meet is always a launching point. It will be our first opportunity to see how the team can focus and hold together in a competition setting with opponents. We know that they are prepared and are ready. Our mindset will be the most important tool for our team this weekend. We will get a good gauge on what we need to key in on moving forward in to our home meet the following weekend,” said Salim-Beasley.
BIG TEN GYMNASTS TO WATCH
Huang and freshman Hannah Joyner were tabbed Big Ten Gymnasts to Watch. Huang looks to build on a successful 2019 season, while Joyner steps onto the collegiate scene with success at the Junior Olympic and Elite levels.
BEAM
“Beam is the event where we should see a lot of improvement from last season. The depth that we added was what we recruited hard for. We have 10-15 routines that are very strong that can be added to the lineup at any time.It should be exciting to watch because there can be a lot of potential lineup scenarios on beam this season," said Salim-Beasley.
VAULT
“Our vault lineup will be a strong one for us. We are hoping to unveil three new 10.0 start value vaults this season.This should increase our scoring potential tremendously on that event,” said Salim-Beasley.
FLOOR
“Floor should be another show stopping event for us this season. We have added a lot of fun choreography to their routines that will no doubt be crowd pleasing.”
BAR
“Our bar lineup has the potential to be one of our more consistent events. Five of the six of our routines are returning from last season. We also have some very strong back up routines that are challenging for lineup spots.This has added to the confidence that the team has about this event,” said Salim-Beasley.
