Where precision meets personality
By Kate Pracher
COPY EDITOR

Photos By Laura Popielski, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

When Ursinus College informed the College at Brockport Gymnastics team they would not be able to compete March 8, disappointment abounded.

The No. 1 vs. No. 2 meet, and the last home meet of the season, was cancelled due to weather conditions.

“Most of our team was disappointed for our seniors, because it is our last home meet and last opportunity to compete at home for a home crowd,” said Jessica Downs, a member of the Golden Eagles Gymnastics team.

The team found out the day before the meet was scheduled, in the middle of practice.

“It certainly put a damper on our practice,” said John Feeney, head coach of the Gymnastics team.

The team decided to compete in an inter-squad scrimmage Saturday in place of the cancelled Ursinus meet. The Golden Eagles members’ high quality performances only proved that they are the No. 1 ranked team in the country.

The meet began with a high energy level, which continued throughout the entire two hours. Overall, it was laidback, but still energetic and supportive.

The Golden Eagles excelled on the uneven bars, vault and balance beam, although it was the floor routines that stood out the most.

All of the performers were aware during their routines: aware of their surroundings, aware of their own bodies, aware of the music and aware of the spectators.

Stephanie Baker was the first to perform on the floor. She used dramatic orchestral music to connect with her movement, and made multiple diagonal passes, showing off her ability to perform complex tricks in a sequence.

Brittany Burr followed, showing an extremely high quality of showmanship. Her choice of upbeat Spanish music complimented her use of hand and wrist articulation in her movements. She executed agility and precision, all the while keeping a lighthearted smile on her face.

Many other Golden Eagles team members followed, all showing strong technique and athleticism.

One of the most interesting and fun floor routines of the meet was performed by Carrie Rock. She fused together a few songs of current popular music and moved to this music in a fun and appealing way.

Rock performed strong arm movements, as well as technically complex trick sequences. She moved with spunk, sass and emotion. Any viewer could tell she was enjoying performing the routine.

Stacy Johnson was also a performer who stood out. Her repertoire included reaching extensions, flawless pirouettes and exciting trick sequences. Her high level of energy emanated out to the spectators.

Senior Nikki Fisher was the last to perform on the floor. Her routine was a great way to end the meet as it was full of power, strength, flexibility and high technical skill.

At the end of the meet, the team recognized its two seniors, Nikki Fisher and Natalie Lipshutz.
The last home meet of the season for the Golden Eagle Gymnastics team was still a huge success, despite the Ursinus cancellation.

Head coach John Feeney said the team was “absolutely disappointed because it was senior day, and it took away our last home meet.”

The team may have been disappointed not to compete against Ursinus athletes, but there were no frowns in sight when the meet ended Saturday.

The team will compete in the ECAC championships at Springfield College in Massachusetts March 15.

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