Complete with a trick-roper and branded bandanas for the ROC, the Wild West came to the Marriott Center Friday night as the ladies of BYU gymnastics opened their home season with a rodeo-themed dual meet against the Southern Utah Thunderbirds.
Unfortunately, the Cougars fell to the Thunderbirds with a final score of 194.750 to 193.375. BYU swept on beam in individual scores, though. Eliza Millar-Crossman scored a 9.825, Mina Margraf-Benson a 9.850 and Brynlee Anderson brought home a 9.950.
In a sport that demands perfection, every fraction of a point can make or break the whole meet. The Cougars are determined to prove that they are here to compete and despite the loss, the evidence is piling up that they deserve to play in the big leagues.
Gymnastics is unique in the way that sports fans are unlikely to find a competition environment as friendly as a gym meet. Most fans cheer at the end of every routine — regardless of the logo on the leotard. Both teams surround their own to celebrate after every turn and will hit choreography together during the floor routines.
Cougar faithful certainly showed up and showed out tonight, with a final count of 3,840 the Marriott Center was loaded with yelling, adoring fans. Despite the noise, it was also just quiet enough that the gymnasts could hear their own parents cheering for them.
Glitter, cheers and dancing but also strong, fierce and beautiful. The Marriott Center was teeming with girl power. Fans of any sport would be hard-pressed to find such an empowering environment to compete in.
The Cougars may not have brought home the win this time, but this is shaping up to be an exciting second season in the Big 12 for them.
