Smith honored as ECAC Rookie of the Week

DANBURY, Conn. – Freshman Jake Smith of the Simpson College men's gymnastics team has been named the ECAC Rookie of the Week following his performance in the Storm's home opener against Greenville Saturday.

Smith hit 4 of 4 routines and played a huge role in notching three new program records on rings, vault, and high bar. Finishing third on both rings (12.900) and high bar (12.650), Smith's performance was integral to beating the previous program-record team score by nearly 10 points.

Smith joins Sterling Pariza as weekly honorees from Simpson this season. Pariza was named Gymnast of the Week on Jan. 7.

The Storm are next headed south to face No. 5 Illinois in Sarasota, Fla. at EVO Gymnastics.

EASTERN COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE WEEK 5 AWARDS
Gymnast of the Week - Matthew Petros (Navy)
Co-Rookie of the Week - Jake Smith (Simpson)
Co-Rookie of the Week - Jaxon Clapper (Greenville)
Specialist of the Week - Maddox Pabellon (Army)

2023-24 PERFORMER OF THE WEEK HONOREES
Jake Smith, Men's Gymnastics (2/6/24^)
Cassie Nash, Women's Basketball (2/5/24)
Ulysses Patterson, Men's Track and Field (1/29/24)
Spencer Moon, Men's Track and Field (1/22/24*)
Sterling Pariza, Men's Gymnastics (1/9/24)
Jay Ceperley, Men's Swimming and Diving (12/4/23)
Kate Minette, Women's Swimming and Diving (12/4/23*)
Haley Rasmussen, Women's Basketball (11/27/23*)
Cassie Nash, Women's Soccer (9/5/23, 10/10/23, 10/30/23, 11/6/23)
Mason Little, Football (10/23/23)
Ronaldo Ordaz, Men's Soccer (9/18/23, 10/10/23, 10/16/23)
CJ Hangartner, Football (10/2/23)
Jordyn Foelske, Women's Soccer (9/25/23)
Lani Mears, Women's Soccer (9/18/23)
Spencer Moon, Men's Cross Country (9/5/23, 9/11/23)
Julia Wagoner, Women's Soccer (9/11/23)
*also named A-R-C Athlete of the Week
^named Rookie of the Week