Streaking in Utah
When the UCLA gymnastics team faces off against Utah in Salt
Lake City on Friday, they will certainly be tested.
The No. 4 Utes currently sport the longest winning streak among
NCAA Division I programs. The streak currently stands at 170
straight home dual-meet victories, dating back to Feb. 20, 1979.
None of the current Utah gymnasts were alive at the time of the
program’s last home loss for Utah gymnastics.
Olympic Rings on Display in Utah
Friday’s meet will mark a reunion of sorts for the
Canadian Olympic team. UCLA junior Yvonne Tousek is a two-time
Canadian Olympian, participating in 1996 and 2000; freshman Kate
Richardson was also on the squad in 2000. Utah freshman Crystal
Gilmore was a Canadian Olympian in 2000 as well.
UCLA’s Jamie Dantzscher, Alyssa Beckerman and Kristin
Maloney also have Olympic experience as they were all members of
the U.S. squad.
All-Around Affair
Three of the last four NCAA all-around champions will be
competing in Utah when the Bruins take on the Utes. UCLA’s
Jamie Dantzscher won the title last year, Bruin senior Onnie Willis
earned it in 2001, and Utah senior Theresa Kulikowski won it in
1999.
Bruins Check In at No. 1
For the third consecutive year, the Bruins are ranked preseason
No. 1 in the coaches’ poll. Rounding out the top five are No.
2 Georgia, No. 3 Alabama, No. 4 Utah and No. 5 Nebraska. UCLA faces
nine of the top 25 teams this season.
Notes compiled by Eli Karon, Daily Bruin reporter.