Men’s gymnastics kicks off year two in Michigan
INDIANOLA, Iowa – Picked sixth in the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Preseason Poll, the Simpson College men's gymnastics team kicks off year two on Saturday in Ann Arbor, Mich.
The Storm will go up against Michigan and fellow ECAC school, Greenville, beginning at 12 p.m. CT. Simpson returns all 15 members of its inaugural team and looks to continue building the program with the help of 12 newcomers.
2023 SEASON REVIEW
- The Storm completed their first season of varsity competition, recording an all-around season average of 348.750.
- Three individuals qualified for the NCAA Championships: Alex Catchpole (parallel bars), Sterling Pariza (all-around) and Michelangelo Villani (all-around).
- Sterling Pariza (floor) and Michelangelo Villani (all-around) earned USAG All-America honors.
- Simpson placed sixth at the ECAC Championships with a score of 346.650.
- The team won two event titles throughout the year, while three individuals secured event wins of their own.
ECAC GYMNASTS TO WATCH
Sterling Pariza, sophomore
Events to watch: floor and parallel bars
Thoughts from Coach Payne: "Sterling was a major player for Simpson last year, in our inaugural season. This preseason, he has shifted his training into a higher gear. He is setting himself up to have an impressive sophomore season."
William Bacus, freshman
Event to watch: pommel horse
Thoughts from Coach Payne: "Will is going to surprise people this season, especially on pommel horse. He's a hard worker and extremely coachable. I think he will do some big things this season and even more over the course of his NCAA career."
Jake Smith, freshman
Event to watch: high bar
Thoughts from Coach Payne: "Jake is going to be an exciting athlete to watch this season. He has had some tough breaks with injuries in the preseason, but his resilience and work ethic have put him in a position to compete this year. His confidence and consistency on rings and high bar are going to be a big asset to this young team."
2023 ECAC GYMNASTICS PRESEASON POLL
1. Navy
2. Springfield
3. Army
4. William & Mary
5. Greenville
6. Simpson
