ASU gymnasts win 14th national team title


5 claim All-American Status
 
The ASU men’s gymnastics collegiate team just returned to Phoenix after capturing an unprecedented 14th team title March 25 at the 2011 USA Gymnastics Collegiate National Championships that took place on the campus of Springfield College in Springfield, Mass.

Ten teams qualified for the championship meet – four varsity (NCAA) and six collegiate (non-funded) teams. ASU won the collegiate division with a solid score of 329.8.  ASU was led by Sophomore Lee Wilkerson (Ga.) who finished 1st in the All Around and Jr. Riley Barclay (Ariz.), who also was awarded Academic All-American.

“We held together when we needed to and fought hard to the end as a team,” said Cody Payne, team captain.

“I’m already looking forward to next year,” said Lee Wilkerson, All Around Champion, who had a great meet hitting strong on all six events.

“The whole team pulled together and finished the year off on a good note," said Rob Survick, assistant coach. "We hit a few bumps tonight starting off rough on our first event (Pommel Horse) – but we worked hard all year preparing for this meet and we went after it with heart.”

Both ASU assistant coaches Rob Survick and Evan Shaw were voted National Assistant Coaches of the year – an honor voted on by their peers. At the same time the coaches voted 18th year ASU head coach, Scott Barclay as National Head Coach of the Year.

Individual event finalists (the top eight qualifies from Friday night) competed Saturday for event honors.

“We qualified a gymnast on five of the six events,” Survick said. "It shows our depth has come up along with a well-rounded quality on each event. I’m really proud of our guys' team effort this weekend.”

Event finalists & standings: Riley Barclay* (Chandler, AZ) on Floor-6th, Alex Gaudaur* (CA) on Still Rings- 6th, Cody Payne (OK) on Still Rings-7th; Josh Bradley (NE) on Vault- 7th; and Alex Gaudaur (CA)on P-Bars- 7th,  Lee Wilkerson (GA) High Bar- 7th

 
Team Results:

1- ASU                        329.80

2- Washington              305.30

3- Suny-Brockport       294.60

 

* Denotes All-American

All Around Results:

1.      Lee Wilkerson*         ASU    82.70

2.      Brett Lazarus                MIT     82.00

3.      Charles Baysinger*   ASU    80.50

4.      Sam Softich                  UW      80.20

5.      Alex Gaudaur*           ASU    77.60

6.      Kenny Bird                   Brock   77.40