The No. 18 ranked Arizona gymnastics team has a huge make or break opportunity this weekend as they compete in the 2013 NCAA Columbus Regional.
How the Wildcats perform this weekend will determine if they or an individual gymnast will advance to the NCAA National Championships April 19-21. The top two teams in the meet and top two gymnasts in all-around or single events from the non-qualifying teams will advance.
The odds are in the Wildcats’ favor as they are the No. 3 seed for the meet.
The hosting team, Ohio State, will be seeded at No. 4, and the meet also features No. 1 seeded UCLA, No. 2 LSU, No. 5 Central Michigan and No. 6 North Carolina State.
Arizona Head Coach Bill Ryden likes their No. 3 spot because that means the girls will start their meet with a bye for the first round. However, he is very aware that with the four-judge panel that will be present this weekend, there is no room for mistakes. More eyes on each girl won’t let any bobbles go unrecognized.
This team will begin its 27th consecutive post-season appearance, which holds the school record for all sports. The Wildcats will go for gold to keep up their strong reputation.
It won’t be surprising to see athletes like Aubree Cristello for the all-around or Kristin Klarenbach on floor advance. The team may advance if it has the best night of the season or if other teams falter. You never know in the world of gymnastics what the outcome will be.
