Gusties Finish Second in Best of Minnesota Meet

RESULTS

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The Gustavus gymnastics team kicked off its 2023 season at the Best of MN Meet, competing against Hamline, Winona State, and host U of M. The Gusties finished second behind Minnesota, edging out Winona State by just 0.175.

“Overall it was a great night! The team did what we asked, stayed calm and did their jobs,” said Head Coach Aryn DeGrood. “I am really happy with this as our starting point.”

The Gusties were led by Olivia Jahnke (So., Hanover) who posted Gustavus’ top score in beam and floor. Jahnke posted a score of 9.350 on beam, good for sixth, and picked up seventh on floor with a score of 9.550.

“Olivia had a phenomenal night with a personal best of floor and a great routine first a first beam routine in college,” said Coach DeGrood on Jahnke’s performance.

Emma Esteb (Sr., Woodbury) finished just behind Jahnke on beam in seventh with a score of 9.300. Abby Willis (Jr., San Bernardino, Calif.) led the Gusties on vault, posting a score of 9.525 for eighth.

First-year Maddox Lee (Hugo) certainly made a splash in her first collegiate meet, posting a score of 9.000 in her much anticipated bar routine. Lee added a score of 9.475 on vault to round out her events, good for 12th overall, and just behind teammate Marley Michaud (So., Sartell) who posted a score of 9.500 on vault for 11th.

“The big story for us tonight is how many athletes contributed and how many made comebacks in both the lineups and exhibition spots. This was an emotional meet for all of us and they handled it so beautifully. We are ready to get back to work and make the adjustments we need to make at have our home opener next Saturday!”

As a team, the Gusties scored 47.100 on vault, 43.075 on bars, 44.875 on beam, and 46.025 on the floor. Gustavus returns to action next weekend for its home opener, hosting UW-Whitewater at 1 p.m. on Jan. 14.