The Black team claimed victory over the Gold with a 492.23 to 486.65 win in the gymnastics team’s intrasquad meet on Dec. 4 in the Field House. The meet was more than a starting point, however, women’s head coach Larissa Libby said.

With guest judges Tom Brands, the Iowa wrestling head coach, and Liang Chow, the 2008 Olympic women’s gymnastics coach, the team was slightly star-struck and lacked focus.

"I wanted to see how they’d handle it if they walk in somewhere and feel just a little off," Libby said. "I don’t think they handled it well today."

Despite a lack of focus, the meet brought out some pleasant surprises. Several gymnasts attempted new elements, including Emma Stevenson with a new vault, Kaitlynn Urano with a new beam routine, and Jessa Hansen with an improved vault and new bars dismount. To compensate for its focus problem, the team will change practice and warm-up routines to prepare for the first meet, at Michigan State on Jan. 7.

"Now that they’re physically ready, we’re going to focus more on the mental aspect," Libby said.

— by Molly Irene Olmstead