BYU hosts No. 15 Nebraska in Season Opener

PROVO, Utah – BYU gymnastics will kick off the 2020 season by hosting No. 15 Nebraska on Monday, Jan. 6 at 5:30 p.m. MST in the Marriott Center.

The Cougars are coming off a strong season in 2019 that included achieving their highest score since 2004: a 197.000. The team ended the season ranked No. 21 in the nation, advancing to the NCAA Regionals.

In the Women's Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA) 2020 preseason poll, BYU earned a No. 23 national ranking.

This season, BYU welcomed five new freshmen: Anyssa Alvarado, Lindsey Hunter, Allix Mason, Maya Page and Elease Rollins. Additionally, Warde Allan, former BYU gymnast, joined the coaching staff. With these additions, head coach Guard Young anxiously awaits the start of the season.

“We’ve had a great week and a half of winter training,” Young said. “We’ve had to run several different scenarios based off their health and life, and we’ve gotten different kids ready. I can’t wait for these girls to go out and show what they can do.”

During the 2020 season, the Cougars will compete in 11 meets leading up to the Mountain Rim Gymnastics Championships in Boise, Idaho. To start off the season, the Cougars will compete in three meets within less than two weeks.

“It’s an incredible start to a 2020 season with a home meet against Nebraska,” Young said. “Days later, we’ll head up to the Maverik Center on a podium for the Best of Utah meet and then back to the Marriott Center to face UCLA and Utah State.”

On Monday, BYU will face Nebraska for the first time during Young’s coaching career.

“Nebraska is a team that qualifies for nationals on a regular basis, so you’re going to see some really good gymnastics," Young said. "It’ll be a battle all the way down to the end.”

Last season, the Huskers boasted a season-high score of 197.675, earning a 6-3 record in the Big Ten Conference. Additionally, two of Nebraska’s gymnasts, Sienna Crouse and Taylor Houchin, advanced to the NCAA National Championships.

For this meet, the Marriott Center will be offering special group rates of $25 for a family ticket or $30 for a group of 25.

“It’s a great meet on a Monday where you can bring your family and it’s a really fun way to start off the new year,” Young said. “ We hope the fans want to show up and enjoy the sport of gymnastics like we do.”