Gymnastics wins first WAC title

The Boise State Gymnastics team’s Western Athletic Conference title hopes came down to one thing Saturday night – waiting.

After finishing a less-than-ideal rotation on the beam, the BSU gymnasts had to sit back and watch the remaining teams finish out their routines and hope they could secure the top spot.

After a long and agonizing wait the Broncos learned their fate – first place with a final score of 194.925 points.

The second place team, San Jose State, finished with 194.725 points, followed by Southern Utah University’s 194.575 points.

“We were all pretty nervous and not trying to show it . we were just sitting there just hoping that we’d done what we needed to do,” freshman Hannah Redmon said.

“It was tough . our plan was let’s build a lead,” Co-Head Coach Neil Resnick said. “Lets get a big time lead going into that last event because we’ve struggled a little bit on beam over the course of the year.”

The Broncos took their lead from first event of the night, the floor routine.

“Floors have been a steady event all year,” Resnick said. “For me that was the key to the whole meet.”

Helping BSU on the floor was Redmon, who received first team All-WAC on the Floor and was Co-Floor Champion, along with Utah State’s Megan Tschida. Redmon received a score of 9.925.

Fellow teammate, freshman Sarah Smith, grabbed second team All-WAC on the floor with a score of 9.875.

The Broncos also received a little help from Southern Utah University. After struggling on their last event of the night, the beam, the Broncos had to watch the Thunderbirds compete on the floor, an event they normally dominate.

Saturday, however, all things seemed to be going in the way of BSU.

“They’re really good at floor, so it’s a fluke that they messed up a little bit and we tried to give it away and they tried to give away, it happens the way it happens,” senior Lindsay Ward said.

Despite what transpired Saturday night, Resnick was quick to point out the season-long achievements of the No. 16 Broncos.

“The kids were very relaxed,” Resnick said. “I knew they could. Everything they’ve been to has been pointing towards a WAC Championship. It’s unbelievable.”

Winning the conference title wasn’t the end of BSU’s story Saturday night. In total, the Broncos hauled in 11 awards. Besides winning the team title for the first time in school history, Head Coaches Neil Resnick and Tina Bird received the WAC coaches of the year award.

Redmon led the team in awards to cap off an amazing first season as a Bronco.

She received Freshman of the Year, All-Around Gymnast, Individual Champion on the vault and Co-Champion on the floor.

Redmon also took first team on the uneven bars and to end the evening she received 2008 Gymnast of the Year.

“I was really surprised, I figured that they would normally give [Gymnast of the Year] to a senior,” Redmon said.

Redmon wasn’t the only BSU athlete to receive awards.

Ward took home the individual title on the bars and All-WAC first team in the event, and Smith was second team All-WAC in floor exercise.

While the team takes some time to celebrate its incredible journey, it knows there is still more to come.

“It’s not over yet, so we just need to get back into the gym and work harder and keep the experience going,” Redmon said.

Next up for the Broncos is the NCAA Regionals.

An announcement will be made today disclosing the times and locations for the Broncos” appearance at the regional tournament.

MARY ALBL
Assistant Sports Editor

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