CEDAR CITY, Utah – The Southern Utah University Flippin' Birds are ready to soar onto the big stage as they join the state's top gymnastics programs for the seventh annual Les Olson IT Best of Utah competition. The event is set for Monday, January 12, at 7 p.m. MT inside the Maverik Center in West Valley City.
The prestigious meet will feature all four of Utah's NCAA Division I women's gymnastics programs, Southern Utah, the University of Utah, BYU, and Utah State competing head-to-head on the podium in front of a statewide audience. For the Thunderbirds, it's a chance to showcase their talent early in the 2026 season against elite competition.
"We love the atmosphere and the energy that comes with the Best of Utah," said Head Coach Scotty Bauman. "It's an incredible opportunity for our athletes to perform on the podium in a championship environment, and it's special to represent Southern Utah alongside some of the best teams in the nation. Our fans always show up strong, and we can't wait to make them proud."
Southern Utah enters the 2026 season as the three-time defending Conference Champions, coming off another historic year that saw the program finish ranked No. 21 nationally. Returning stars like Niya Randolph, the 2025 MPSF Gymnast of the Year, and Mia Hampton the 2025 MPSF Freshman of the Year, lead a lineup stacked with experience and talent as the Flippin' Birds look to continue their rise on the national stage.
Best of Utah Ticket Information
Fans can secure their seats to cheer on Southern Utah at the Maverik Center through a school-specific presale running Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 10 a.m. MT through Thursday, Oct. 23, at 10 p.m. MT, using the code 26THUNDERBIRDS for $6 off tickets during the presale window. The general public on-sale begins Friday, Oct. 24, at 10 a.m. MT.
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2026 Season Outlook & Ticket Info
Following the Best of Utah, Southern Utah will continue an exciting season that includes matchups against top programs such as Utah, BYU, Oregon State, and Washington, along with hosting the 2026 MPSF Championships in Cedar City on Saturday, March 21.
Fans can catch all the action at home this season inside the America First Event Center, where the Flippin' Birds will host six home meets, beginning Friday, January 9, against Boise State.
Season tickets are on sale now at tbirdtickets.com. Secure your seats today and be part of every moment as Southern Utah Gymnastics takes flight for another championship run in their final season in the MPSF before joining the Pac-12 Conference in 2027.
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For all the latest on Southern Utah gymnastics, follow @SUUGym on Twitter, @SUUGymastics on Instagram, and like the Southern Utah Gymnastics Facebook page.
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