Michigan Gymnastics- Past Gymnast Affects On Program
Michigan Gymnastics- Past Gymnast Affects On Program
Gymnastike recently sat down with Bev Plocki to talk about former gymnasts in the program that stand out and have made Michigan Gymnastics the program it is today.
Which gymnasts have had the biggest impact on Michigan gymnastics?
Well the first name that needs to come up is Wendy Wilkinson. She was my first real recruit out of Canada. In her freshman year she won the all-around title at the Big Ten Championship. That was a first for our program. Wilkinson was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 1991.
Pictured- Wendy Wilkinson- Image Via Michigan's Facebook
Of course the name Beth Wymer comes to my mind very quickly. Wymer was the athlete that put Michigan gymnastics on the map. She was recruited heavily my many other schools, but Wymer wanted to come to Michigan to be the first All-American, first national champion, etc. and set history here. She understood the history and the tradition here and took a risk to come to Michigan. Once she was here, she did just that, setting records and winning titles. Wymer is the most decorated gymnast in Michigan gymnastics history. Her being here opened doors for our program to be able to recruit a higher level of gymnasts. Wymer is the gymnast who made the Michigan difference for us!
*Wymer was named the Big Ten Gymnast of the Year in 1992, 1994 and 1995. She was also named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 1992. Wymer received All-American status in all four years at Michigan, 1992-1995. Most impressively Wymer won the NCAA event championship in the uneven bars three consecutive years from 1993-1995, becoming Michigan’s first national champion.
There have been so many athletes that have had an impact on the program. But we work so hard on being a team, and not worry about the individual accolades. We preach that if you give 100% to the team, the individual accolades will come. Our program is big on having a true team approach, creating a family atmosphere and being an unselfish athlete.
Pictured- Elise Ray- Image Via Michigan's Facebook
Noteable gymnasts in Michigan program history
Elise Ray (2001-2005) - 14-time All-America and three-time NCAA champion
Kylee Botterman (2008-2011) - Seven-time NCAA All-American, three-time Big Ten champion, NCAA All-Around champion Watch her floor routine from Super Six!
Joanna Sampson (2011-2014) – Three-time NCAA All-American, NCAA National
Champion (floor), Two-time Big Ten champion Watch her floor routine here
Sarah Cain (1997-2000)- Six time Big Ten champion, seven time NCAA regional champion 12 NCAA All-America honors and two-time Big Ten Gymnast of the Year (1997, 2000)
Nikki Peters (1996-1999) - Six-time All-American, four time All-Big Ten honoree
What is your focus when you are recruiting a gymnast for Michigan?
I believe in the entire recruiting process. Michigan isn’t suited for everyone, so when bringing in a recruit we try to find the best athlete that is well suited for this atmosphere. We try to bring in an athlete that can buy into our culture that can be a team player and selfless athlete. I am very proud of every recruit that we have brought through our program, and seen all the way through our program.
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