CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Flippin' Birds will hit the road again this weekend as they prepare to take on the Utah State Aggies in Logan. The meet will begin Friday, January 10, at 7:00 p.m. MT in the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum Arena.
The Flippin' Birds are coming off a third-place finish in the American Gold Women's Collegiate Gymnastics Classic. The T-Birds were well represented in the final awards for the event, with Sophomore Niya Randolph taking home the top spot in the all-around with a score of 39.100. Sophomore Brinlee Christensen was also a top finisher, tying for third in the all-around with a 39.000. Senior Ellie Cacciola and freshman Mia Hampton tied for the top vault score, each earning a 9.800. Senior Isabella Neff snagged a tie for first place on the bars with a 9.900. Christensen also earned a second-place finish on the beam, scoring 9.875.
Coach Scotty Bauman Said
"We're really looking forward to taking on Utah State in Logan. They're a solid team that keeps getting better and has improved over the last year. We have had a fun and competitive rivalry for decades, and we can't wait to face the Aggies this Friday."
MPSF Weekly Award Winners
Southern Utah began its MPSF Conference title defense, taking the conference by storm and earning two of the MPSF Weekly Awards for week one. Freshman Mia Hampton earned Freshman of the Week, and senior Isabella Neff claimed Specialist of the Week, underscoring the program's strength in the early part of the season.
The Competition
Utah State
Despite a 194.450 team score falling short of #5 Utah's 196.775, the Aggies showcased potential in their season opener, especially from their freshman class, who stepped up in key rotations. Sophomore Nyla Morabito was a standout performer, earning the Gymnast of the Meet title with a second-place finish on floor (9.850) and a top-five tie on vault (9.750). Look for Utah State to build on its solid scores on bars (48.875) and beam (48.750) while aiming to increase consistency across all events. The team's depth, led by graduate Brianna Brooks and emerging freshmen like Kaylie Medrano and Lundyn VanderToolen, promises an exciting competition ahead.
Southern Utah Notes
- The Flippin' Birds have won consecutive Conference Championships in two separate conferences. Winning the Final MRGC Championship before transitioning to the MPSF and securing their first title in their new conference. The T-Birds finished the 2024 season ranked #27 in the country.
- Southern Utah currently sits at #18 in the Road to Nationals standings following week 1.
- The Thunderbirds opened at the challenging American Gold Women's Collegiate Gymnastics Classic last week in Oceanside, California.
- Sophomore Niya Randolph was named the MPSF conference Gymnast of the Year for her outstanding consistency in the all-around in the 2024 season. Randolph set a new school and conference record for the all-around with a 39.600 in the home meet against BYU last season.
- Sophomore Brinlee Christensen was named the MPSF Freshman of the Year for her outstanding debut last year.
- The Flippin' Birds swept the first-team All-MPSF honors with the top four bar workers in the conference. Randolph and Junior Trista Goodman each scored a 9.950 on the bars last year, setting a high standard for the team. The Thunderbirds set a new School and Conference record on the bars against Penn State last season, scoring 49.475.
- Southern Utah currently has eight gymnasts ranked in the top 100 nationally, including a few who are ranked in multiple events. Niya Randolph and Brinlee Christensen are ranked 21 and 27, respectively, in the all-around.
- The Thunderbirds are coached by Scott Bauman, who was named the MRGC Coach of the Year in 2023.
- Associate Head Coach Jamie Wysong and Assistant Coach Jeff Richards were named the 2024 MPSF conference Assistant Coaches of the Year.
Tickets On Sale Now
Help us pack the America First Event Center by buying your season tickets today! Visit tbirdtickets.com to reserve your seats!
Follow Us
For all the latest on Southern Utah gymnastics, follow @SUUGym on Twitter, @SUUGymastics on Instagram, and like the Southern Utah Gymnastics Facebook page.
Donate
To help support Thunderbird athletics, consider making a donation today! To learn more about how you can support, click here.
