When the Hawks first began the 2010-2011 season some 10 months ago, many were doubtful of the success they would achieve in their first year under Head Coach Reive. However, two multi-record breaking meets and one All-American later, the Hawks have indefinitely sealed the title of the “come-back” team in the Big Ten.
In August of 2010, with a group of unknowing but willing gymnasts, Coach Reive and his staff began re-constructing Iowa Men’s Gymnastics from the ground up. From the most major of skills to the minutest of maneuvers, detail to form and presentation were heavily stressed. A pre-season of basic training and mental mentoring were all steps in formulating a new and improved Big Ten team. With careful consideration of each gymnasts needs, the athletes and coaches over time learned, grew, and connected together to make an already rich program even richer.
Having had some of the most amazing “mile-stone” moments in recent Iowa Gymnastics History, it will be difficult to say goodbye to such successful year. However saying goodbye will make it easier to say hello to the 2011-2012 season – which is sure to be just as thrilling if not more. With a large number of the Hawks training right here in Iowa City this summer, the team is already getting ahead for the ’11-’12 pre-season. These dedicated athletes will be sacrificing a summer of friends, home, and vacations to not only better themselves, but the entire Iowa Men’s Gymnastics Program.
For those of you who are just tuning into the Men’s Gymnastics scene, the promotional team (now official Team Managers) compiled pictures, bloopers and amazing competition footage of the Hawks for their end of the year banquet. With such an accomplished year under their belts, it was our goal to create a video that would embody the fun, focus, and fruition that is Iowa Men’s Gymnastics. Not only did we want to honor the team and their success, but also spotlight the three seniors: Ben Ketelsen, John Haines and Michael Jiang; for they will be truly missed in and out of the gym.
We hope you enjoy the video and come back next year for further coverage of the 2011-2012 season! The Men’s Team will be working harder than ever this summer and so will we [Team Managers]. Everything from an updated website, planning volunteer work and having on-campus events, the Men’s Gymnastics Team will have made its presence well known in time for the competition season featuring the 2012 Big Ten Championships hosted by your very own Iowa Hawkeyes. Fans, do not sleep on the Hawkeyes – for in three short months, we will be back stronger than ever!
Go Hawks!
