Bronco Gymnastics Hosts Eastern Michigan in First MAC Meet
KALAMAZOO, Mich.- The Western Michigan gymnastics team hosts in-state rival Eastern Michigan Sunday at University Arena in the first Mid-American Conference outing. The meet begins at 1 p.m.
SCOUTING REPORT
Western Michigan is 1-0 on the season after defeating Michigan State 193.500 to 192.725 last Saturday. Sunday's meet will be the first of the year for Eastern Michigan. The Broncos roster features 14 returners from last season, including seven seniors and four juniors. EMU returns 17 gymnasts from 2012 and welcome four freshmen for the upcoming season.
WEBER MAC GYMNAST OF WEEK
Western Michigan freshman gymnast Kayla Weber was named Mid-American Conference Gymnast of the Week. Weber had a break-out debut in WMU's 193.500 to 192.725 victory at Michigan State, winning the all-around title with an overall score of 39.150. Her score tied as the third best in WMU history and is the highest recorded in the MAC this season. The 39.150 ranks Weber No. 20 in the nation in Monday's GymInfo rankings.
NATIONAL RANKINGS (GYMINFO)
Caroline O'Brien, #1 UB (9.900)
Kayla Weber, #20 AA (39.150)
Jessi Buis, #32 V (9.850)
Kelsey Turnquist, #34 BB (9.825)
Team Vault, #13 (49.000)
Team UB, #16 (48.800)
THREE STRAIGHT OVER SPARTANS
WMU recorded its third-straight victory over Big Ten rival Michigan State with a convincing 193.500 to 192.725 last Saturday in East Lansing. The Broncos' 193.500 was the best season-opening score since 2001, when the team totaled a 193.850 against Illinois State.
LOOKING BACK AT 2012
Western Michigan finished the 2012 regular season with an 8-7, 4-2 Mid-American Conference record and closed out the year with a No. 39 national ranking. The Broncos finished second in the regular season and third at the MAC Championships.
LAST TIME AGAINST EMU
EMU came out victorious the last time the two teams met, 193.025 to 192.225, in Ypsilanti, Feb. 11, 2012. The loss was WMU's first of the year and tied a team season-high score for Eastern Michigan.
Western Michigan is the host of the 2013 MAC Championships, Saturday, March 23. Its WMU first time hosting since 2006, which is also the last team championship for Western Michigan. The championship meet rotates year-to-year between the seven conference schools that carry gymnastics.
HOME MEETS
WMU has two other regular-season home meets this year, Sunday, Feb. 24, against Central Michigan and Sunday, March 10, against Northern Illinois. It will be Girl Scout Day during the CMU meet and Autism Awareness/Senior Day for NIU.
2013 MAC Gymnastics Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Kent State
2. Western Michigan
3. Central Michigan
4. Bowling Green
5. Northern Illinois
6. Ball State
7. Eastern Michigan
MAC Gymnastics Champion - Kent State
