AMES, Iowa?Saturday's Big 12 Gymnastics Championship in Hilton Coliseum is only one day away. Today's preview concludes a week-long look at each event. Additionally, Iowa State head coach
Jay Ronayne's look at the all-arounders and the team competition can be accessed by clicking on the video link below.
Senior
Jasmine Thompson is the main force in the all-around competition for Iowa State. The McDonald, Ohio, native has competed in the all-around for an impressive 26 consecutive ISU meets. Thompson boasts the top Iowa State season all-around score (39.300) and should be a factor in the title race.
Ranked 10th nationally, Missouri's Sarah Shire is the favorite in the all-around. The Tiger has a regional qualifying score (RQS) of 39.425 and a season high of 39.575. Nebraska's Kylie Stone is ranked 16th in the country with an RQS of 39.350 and a season high of 39.475 in the all-around. Shire's teammate, Adrianne Perry, is also a threat, as she was the all-around champion in 2008.
The battle to be crowned Big 12 team champion is up in the air. Last season, Iowa State proved how unpredictable the Big 12 Championship can be, when the Cyclones had a near-Cinderella run, only to come in second to Oklahoma by .100 of a point.
The Sooners enter Saturday's meet as the favorites. Oklahoma is ranked eighth in the country, with an RQS of 196.465 and a season-high tally of 197.175. Nebraska could easily make some noise Saturday, as the Cornhuskers are ranked 12th, with an RQS of 196.030 and a season high of 196.750. Missouri is just behind Nebraska, as the Tigers are ranked No. 14 with an RQS of 195.895 and a campaign high of 196.625. Iowa State enters the meet ranked 24th and should not be discounted. The Cyclones have an RQS of 195.130 and a season high of 195.700.
The fight for the all-around crown and team title starts Saturday at 2 p.m. in Hilton Coliseum.