The success of a program is not measured just in the number of championships won or the number of fans accumulated, but moreover in perseverance, integrity, and professionalism. Last weekend, your Iowa Hawkeyes went out in front of a conference crowd and showcased not only their diligent work from this entire competition season, but also how they want to remembered by every team present.
Although the Hawks only placed sixth in the competition, their lack of “medal memorabilia” was overshadowed with a notion of professionalism no other team could mimic. Prior to and following the competition, the gymnasts received specific orders and words of encouragement from their head coach. Each gymnast listened with intensity as the arena rang with the cheers of the opposing teams. It was obvious that this team was focused and determined to represent what Iowa Gymnastics is really about: clean gymnastics with a poised disposition. It is just magnificent to think about what a program like Iowa’s is and will be.
Event by event coverage:
1st Rotation:
The Hawks would begin their night on the High Bar, where So. Broderick Shemanksy posted a solid 14.000 along with Fr. Sam Wright’s well-performed 13.800 high bar set. Sr. Ben Ketelsen would also open his last Big Ten’s with a 13.750.
2nd rotation:
So. Matt McGrath would lead the Iowa floor team with a score of 14.750. Following him would be Ben Ketelsen with a 14.250 and So. Timm Krueger, nailing his set, with a 13.850.
3rd rotation:
Pommel seemed to be no trouble for the Hawks this evening. Sr. Michael Jiang 14.30. Jr. Zach Cazabon would swing extremely well with a 13.850. So. Anton Gryshayev would come in third with a 13.700.
4th rotation:
On the Still Rings the Hawks would hit some trouble with their lead off men, however Fr, Angleo Bronzino would come through to give the Hawks their highest score of 14.100. Sr. John Haines would also compete his routine well enough to come in second for the team with a 14.000. So. Brody Shemanksy would tie Haines’ 14.000.
5th rotation:
On the Vault, the Hawks were able to count on So. Todd Becker’s’ solid vault; giving him a 15.600. Fr. Javier Balboa who had been absent from the event in previous competitions came in second for the Vault team with a 15.500. Sr. Ben Ketelsen would end his last Big Ten Competition with a clean routine giving him a 15.250.
6th rotation:
The Hawks would finish up their Big Ten Season on the Parallel Bars where Fr. Javier Balboa swung his way to an 14.150. So. Matt McGrath would narrowly come behind Balboa with a 14.100. In Iowa’s third spot of the night, Broderick Shemansky would post a supportive 13.600.
The Iowa Men’s Gymnastics Team has come a long way this year, a very long way. In their first year under the tutelage of JD Reive and his coaching staff, the Hawks have accumulated accolades and coverage more so than ever before. After this competition, it is my belief that the Big Ten is beginning to feel the pressure from Iowa Gymnastics. They are noticing a team of focused individuals, seeking the one goal any Conference program would desire – a Big Ten Championship.
This is the dream your Iowa Hawkeyes are working towards. In a little under a year from now, the Hawks will be hosting the Big Ten Championships right here in Iowa City, IA. The conference and nation will know that their blood, sweat, tears and injuries from this 2010-2011 competition year were not in vain. Instead, they will serve as a testimony to the story that will be told when they too hold that Big Ten Championship trophy one day.
Go Hawks.
