Kentucky Completes Successful Blue/White Meet
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky gymnastics team gave fans a preview of the upcoming 2018 campaign with its annual intrasquad scrimmage on Sunday afternoon at Memorial Coliseum.
“We learned that we still have work to do,” head coach Tim Garrison said. We had some solid performances, but to continue climbing the ladder in the SEC and nationally, we need to improve. I’m glad we had the experience of being in Memorial. It’s difficult to recreate a competitive environment in a training facility. This was a valuable day in our preparation. Thanks to all those that came out and supported the cause. You helped us get ready for 2018.”
The meet served as a dress rehearsal for Kentucky, with 13 Wildcats competing in the meet. Three from Kentucky competed in all four rotations.
Kentucky will start the regular season with Excite Night. The meet will be held in Rupp Arena, and the Cats will take on Southeast Missouri, Ball State and George Washington.
Following the meet, the Wildcats shared their thoughts on the tune-up meet.
Sophomore Mollie Korth
On how the team did at the Blue/White Meet…
“I think we did well in our intrasquad meet. There’s always things we can work on. We can be a little more consistent on events and really work on landings. I think overall we’re in a good spot and I think this month to get a little bit better for Rupp Arena.”
On what she needs to work on this month…
“I think getting more consistent on each event. Not too many numbers but making sure we don’t fall and making sure landings are consistent –don’t overthink them. I also think cardio is a really big thing for everyone. We need to get our endurance up so we can have good floor routines.”
On Looking forward to Excite Night at Rupp Arena…
“I more than excited to compete in Rupp. I think it’s going to be a really good time. I don’t think it’s going to be an issue (to compete in another arena). We travel somewhere during the competition season so competing in the new arena isn’t going to be a big deal.”
Junior Alex Hyland
On how the team performed…
“I think we did well. For getting out there for the first time, it was good. It was good for us to experience what it would be like to be on different equipment. I think there were some things we’re going to get back in the gym and correct but for the most part this was a good first step.”
On what she and the team needs to work on…
“I think we need to work on the little things. I think we’re really consistent with routines as a whole. So just little things like landings, we’ve been working really hard on. We’re just going to perfect those before Excite Night.”
On looking forward to Excite Night at Rupp Arena…
“I’m very excite to compete in Rupp Arena. I don’t think it’s going to be an issue (competing in another venue), because we’re going to have so many fans there. Today, the Blue-White Meet, with how the equipment is going to be set up at Excite Night. It’ll be very exciting for us, being in such a big arena. Hopefully a lot of fans will come out an support us.”
Junior Katie Stuart
On competing for the first time this season…
“It felt great. It’s always great to come out here for the first time. It gets us really excited for the season. We need to have a good break and comeback and start it back up.”
On what she and the team needs to work on…
“It was good to get that first pressure set of the year. I think we all kind of needed that and we’re just going to work on that.”
On the Excite Night at Rupp Arena…
“I’m so excited. It’ll be huge and different. A lot bigger atmosphere. We travel to a lot of big, and small arenas so we’ve got that big feel under our belts already.”
For complete news and updates on the Kentucky Gymnastics program, go to UKathletics.com. Season tickets can be found on UKathletics.com/Tickets. News and updates on the team can also be found on Twitter at @UKGymnastics and at @UKCoachGarrison and Facebook at Facebook.com/UKGymnastics.
