CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Flippin' Birds season opener is less than a month away, and the team is getting prepped for some tough competition this year. Southern Utah lost a lot of talented gymnasts to graduation following last season's success but has brought in some fresh faces looking to crack the lineup in 2024. Let's take a look at the team members who will potentially fill out the bars squad.
Coach Scotty Bauman Said
"We have some tremendous talent that is ready to make an impact on the bars team. These athletes have been working hard all year and are excited to compete come January. Our bars rotation can compete with anyone we will see this season."
Returning Stars on the Bars
Aubri Schwartze, the senior sensation hailing from Ames, Iowa, brings a wealth of experience and a string of impressive accomplishments. Her consistently high scores in multiple events highlight her versatility and strength across the board. She will look to match and beat her career-best 9.875 on the bars this season. Schwartze will be helped in her pursuit by a new bar dismount that raises her potential score. As a past MRGC All-Conference athlete, her leadership will be invaluable.
Isabella Neff, the junior dynamo from Salt Lake City, showcased her prowess with a career-high 9.850 on Bars last season. She will look for an increased role in the lineup as the season progresses. Her experience from competing in Level 10 Nationals speaks volumes about her skill and potential for high scores.
Trista Goodman, the sophomore powerhouse from Las Vegas, made an impactful collegiate debut with a stellar 9.900 on Bars at the Super 16 and earned recognition as the Bar Specialist of the Week in the MRGC week one last season. Goodman finished her freshman season by becoming the MRGC bars Champion. Her prior successes at state and national levels underscore her ability to shine brightly this season.
Next Generation Gymnasts
The infusion of fresh talent into the Southern Utah Gymnastics bars team with Brinlee Christensen, Niya Randolph, Kendall McGuire, Rylee Miller, Brinley Kitchen, and Alex Routsis promises an exciting competition for spots in the lineup.
Routsis clinched the Region 3 uneven bar championship with an impressive score of 9.925 and secured a remarkable fourth position at the Level 10 National Championships with a score of 9.85. Christensen was not far behind, clinching fifth place on bars at the same championships, boasting a solid score of 9.775. Niya brings a fresh bar dismount combination and impeccable form that's poised to make waves for the Flippin' Birds this season.
Miller's versatility offers a wealth of routines, positioning her as a potential standout bar performer. She was the Canadian Nationals runner-up on the bars last year. McGuire is introducing a brand-new dismount to elevate her already impressive routine. Once she solidifies her new dismount, Brinley Kitchen could emerge as one of the team's most formidable bar workers, adding substantial strength to the squad's lineup. Each newcomer brings a unique set of skills and achievements. Their arrival augments the team's skillset and ignites a sincere drive to push the returning stars and elevate the Flippin' Birds' bars routines to newfound heights.
The Thunderbirds will open the season on the road on January 6, 2024, at the Super 16 in Las Vegas. The First home meet for Southern Utah will be on January 19, when the Flippin' Birds will host a tri-meet with Arizona State and Utah State.
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