BYU Seeks Second Win Against Boise State

PROVO -- BYU gymnastics prepares crowd-pleasing performances in anticipation of its second meet against Boise State Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in the Smith Fieldhouse.

In their last encounter, the Cougars dominated the Broncos, 196.275-193.525.

"Like every other team, we go in to win," said Brad Cattermole, BYU head coach. "But you still have to put in the fight."

The Cougars' strength lies in their floor routines, currently ranked No. 10 nationally in the floor exercise.

"Our floor is as good as anyone in the country," Cattermole said. "Some teams have bigger tumbling, but we perform with the best."

With 27 years' professional judging experience, assistant coach Dawn Cattermole said she knows what judges expect in a competition. The practices focus on fine-tuning and presenting routines.

"It's a mind set you've got to find," Brad said. "You've got to show what you practice."

Dawn said the Smith Fieldhouse has certain presentation advantages over the Marriott Center.

"It brings the crowd closer," she said. "The girls can hear and see the crowd better; they're surrounded by friends. It's more exciting this way."

BYU will take advantage of the home meet to exhibition more gymnasts. Brad said the girls are all talented with individual strengths. There are no princesses on the team, he said. Exhibitioning is an invaluable experience for personal growth and it unifies the girls.

"We're not trying to get individuals to the championship," Brad said. "We're trying to get a team to the championship."

The Broncos are currently 2-3, losing Saturday to No. 21 Denver, 197.875-194.175.

The Cougars are currently 4-3, coming off a win against Utah State on Friday, 196.425-195.250.

Tickets for Thursday's meet are available at the BYU Ticket Office or by calling 800-322-BYU1 or 378-BYU1. Admission is $5 for adults; $4 for senior citizens, BYU faculty, and students without an All-Sport Card; and $15 for a family pass. Admission is free to students with an All-Sport Card.