This past weekend, the BGSU Club Gymnastics team delivered an impressive performance at the Buckeye Blast gymnastics meet. They experienced a competitive field, facing over 20 other schools but through their depth, talent, and determination, they proved that they could handle the pressure.
BGSU brought 13 athletes to compete across three Xcel levels. Four gymnasts represented the Falcons in Xcel Silver, six competed in Xcel Platinum, and three took on the challenge of Xcel Diamond. Each athlete gave a strong performance, contributing to an exciting and successful weekend for the team.
Sophomore Megan Rainwater led the Xcel Silver Falcons on vault where she scored a 9.3, placing 4th overall. Close behind her was sophomore Elizabeth Raymond, who scored a 9.05 to take 6th place. Rainwater also led the Falcons on bars where she scored a 9.1, taking 5th place. Cosgrove put up an 8.85 and sophomore Maria Stewart made an impressive debut with an 8.55. The girls then moved to beam where Raymond made a huge statement with her 9.45, good for 5th place. Stewart and Cosgrove performed their routines well, ultimately scoring a 9.1 and 8.65. The Silver gymnasts did not compete on floor at this meet, but the group still posted highly respectable scores and delivered confident performances across their events.
The Xcel Platinum gymnasts had some tough competition in their level. Nonetheless, they found themselves scoring well and making a statement for themselves. Starting on vault, freshman Megan Husted led the flock where she scored an 8.95, followed by sophomore Emily Lapa who earned herself an 8.7. Lapa saw great success on the bars, securing a solid 9.25 to add to her all-around score. Behind her was Husted with an 8.65 and junior Haley Surdell who debut with an 8.45. The beam treated the Falcons well as Lapa put up a 9.05, Husted with an 8.95 and Surdell an 8.45. To close out the meet, the girls traveled to the floor exercise where they put on a show. Freshman Grace Stanhope made her debut with an 8.9, leading the Falcons on the event. Shortly behind her was Lapa with an 8.85, followed by Husted's 8.8, and lastly Surdell's 8.6. In a highly competitive division, the Platinum gymnasts showed poise and consistency throughout the meet.
To finish the meet, the three Xcel Diamond gymnasts found their way to the vault. Here sophomore Lilly Gibbs and freshman Leah Fitzsimonds made huge statements scoring a second place 9.5 and third place 9.4. Freshman Ruby Clogston made her debut with an impressive 9.1. On the bars, Fitzsimonds made a name for herself, scoring an impressive 9.8 and taking the event title. Additionally, Gibbs earned herself a 9.7, taking 2nd place and Clogston earned an 8.7. Carrying their momentum to beam, Fitzsimonds put up another 3rd place finish after scoring an impressive 9.5. Shortly behind was Gibbs with a 9.2, followed by Clogston with a 7.95. Lastly, the Falcons took on the floor exercise. Here, Gibbs scored a 9.3 immediately followed by Fitzsimonds 9.25. To close the meet Clogston earned herself an 8.8 to add to her all-around score. Fitzsimonds ended up clinching the all-around title in her third meet as a Falcon and hopes to continue that run at Nationals.
Overall, the Falcons closed out their final regular season meet with confidence and strong performances across all levels. The team now turns its focus to polishing routines and maintaining high energy as they prepare to travel to Birmingham, Alabama, for NAIGC Nationals on Thursday, April 8.
To stay updated with the BGSU Club Gymnastics team, make sure to follow them on Instagram @bgsuclubgym.
