BYU prepares for Rio Tinto Best of Utah NCAA Gymnastics Meet

PROVO, Utah – The BYU gymnastics team will make its 2021 season debut at the second annual Rio Tinto Best of Utah NCAA Gymnastics Meet this Saturday, Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. MST at the Maverik Center. 

BEST OF UTAH MEET NOTES

This meet marks the second of a multi-year partnership between Rio Tinto and the Maverik Center. The two are contracted to host this meet for a minimum of five seasons. This yearly meet brings together all four local universities: BYU, University of Utah, Utah State University and Southern Utah University. 

Featuring a raised podium floor, the meet will be televised live on BYUtv. Due to COVID-19 guidelines, the Maverik Center will allow 1,700 fans into the arena.

Last season, the University of Utah came out on top with a solid score of 197.000. BYU followed, earning a 195.575. SUU took third with a 194.650, followed by Utah State with a 194.150. Even without a win, the Cougars walked away with accomplishments.

“Abbey Miner won the all-around title and Sadie Miner won the vault title at this meet last year,” head coach Guard Young said. “They want to defend their titles this year.”

In Young’s eyes, the ability to compete is an accomplishment within itself this season. 

“I’ve been telling these girls that every chance you get to train and come into the gym and do gymnastics is a privilege. It’s a celebration to compete this year. We’re going into this meet just being happy to be there and the opportunity we have to do gymnastics.”

At the end of the 2020 season, the Cougars said goodbye to All-American Shannon Evans and Briana Pearson, two staples in the lineup. This leaves gaps for Young to fill. 

“We’re replacing Shannon Evans, who essentially was an all-arounder, and Briana Pearson, who was a solid competitor on floor every week. Those are holes we have to fill. A lot of girls who were backups last year are thrust into these roles. Avery Bennett, who is solid on vault, has worked extremely hard on a floor routine so we are hoping to unveil her new floor routine this weekend.”

Meet Information

• When: Saturday, Jan. 9
• Time: 7 PM MST
• Where: Maverik Center
• TV: BYUtv

THE COUGARS. BYU received a preseason WCGA ranking of No. 17. The Cougars finished the 2020 season ranked No. 16 in the nation—the team’s highest final national ranking in 15 years. Additionally, the team boasted its highest score since 2004 (197.075) and became the Mountain Rim Gymnastics Conference champions for the first time in program history. This season, seniors Abby Boden-Stainton and Abbey Miner-Alder will lead the team as captains.

THE THUNDERBIRDS. SUU received a preseason WCGA ranking of No. 23, jumping three spots since last season. The Thunderbirds ended the 2020 season at No. 22 with an NQS of 196.165 and an average team score of 195.966..

THE UTES. The University of Utah received a preseason WCGA ranking of No. 4. Coming into the 2021 season, the Utes will bring 17-of-24 routines from its undefeated 2020 season. On top of this, Utah’s beam lineup returns, which ranked No. 2 in the nation, earning the highest beam score in the nation in 2020, a 49.775.

THE AGGIES. The Aggies received a preseason WCGA ranking of No. 32. Last season, Utah State finished with a 7-6-1 overall record. This is the team’s first time finishing the season with a winning record since 1999. Further, the team’s head coach Amy Smith received the title of MRGC Coach of the Year after the team earned its highest NQS score in program history, a 195.915. The team finished the season at No. 29 in the nation.