Gymnastike is excited to take an exclusive and unprecedented look at The University of Michigan Gymnastics program in their fight for the 2015 NCAA Title. 


1991 Women's Gymnastics Team - Image Via: Michigan's Facebook

Coaches

The Michigan Wolverines women's gymnastics team was formed in 1976.  In its 34-year history, the team has had six coaches as follows:

 

Newt Loken was the first head coach for the Wolverines starting in 1976.  Loken went 1-1 during that season.  Loken also coached the Men’s gymnastics team from 1948 to 1983.  The Men’s program renamed their training facility in his honor in 2003. Loken passed away in 2011 at the age of 92.  The Men’s program renamed their training facility in his honor in 2003. 

 

Anne Cornell was the head coach from 1977-1978 where she went 6-6 as a head coach.  

 

Scott Ponto took over as head coach for the season of 1979 where he had a record of 19-3.  Ponto had the best winning percentage to date. 

 

The Wolverines were led by Sheri Hyatt from 1980-1984.  Hyatt went on to have a 51-26-1 record within her reign as head coach.  Hyatt led the team to its first Big Ten Championship along with its first NCAA tournament berth in 1982.  

 

Dana Kempthorn took over as head coach from 1985-1989.  Kempthorn led the Wolverines to a 42-76 record. 

Image Via: Michigan's Facebook

In 1990, Bev Plocki took over as head coach and has immensely changed the program sense.  Plocki is currently in her 26th season as the head coach for the Wolverines.  During her tenure Plocki has transformed Michigan gymnastics into a consistent national powerhouse program.  Plocki has led her team to 19 Big Ten championships, one Big Ten regular season title, 20 NCAA Championships appearances and 10 NCAA Super Six berths. 

 

Stay tuned to gymnastike for a more in-depth look at Coach Plocki and her accomplishment at Michigan! 


Bev Plocki- Image Via: Michigan's Facebook

 

Team History

The Wolverines have had eight seasons in which they have finished in the top 6 teams in the Nation. 
 

• 1994: The team compiled a record of 27-1 and finished 4th at the NCAA Championships with a score of 195.150.

• 1995: The team compiled a record of 24-2 and finished tied for 2nd in the NCAA Championships with a score of 196.425.

• 1997: The team compiled a 20-5 record and finished 4th at the NCAA Championships with a score of 196.500.

• 1999: The team compiled a 19-4 record and finished 2nd at the NCAA Championships with a score of 196.550.

• 2001: The team compiled a 15-7 record and finished 3rd at the NCAA Championships with a score of 197.275.

• 2003: The team compiled a 17-6 record and finished 5th at the NCAA Championships with a score of 196.050.

• 2005: The team compiled a 22-2 record and finished 5th at the NCAA Championships with a score of 196.575.

• 2011: The team compiled a 26-4 record and finished 6th at the NCAA Championships with a score of 196.425 

Kylee Bottermon 2011 AA National Champion- Image Via: Michigan's Facebook

NCAA National Event Champions

1993- Beth Wymer- Uneven Bars- 10.000

1994- Beth Wymer- Uneven Bars 9.950

1995- Beth Wymer- Uneven Bars- 9.950

2001- Elise Ray- All Around- 39.525 (tie)

2002- Elise Ray- Balance Beam- 9.925

2004- Elise Ray- Uneven Bars- 9.975

2011- Kylee Botterman- All-Around- 39.525

2013- Joanna Sampson- Floor Exercise- 9.9375

Stay tuned to gymnastike over the next few weeks for a more in-depth look at the Michigan Gymnastics Program! 

Fight For The Crown- Utah