Southern Utah University Gymnastics Team Sweeps Weekly Awards In Impressive Victory

In an outstanding display of skill and dedication, Southern Utah University's gymnastics team, the Flippin' Birds, has garnered significant recognition in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation's (MPSF) first round of weekly awards. Sweeping all three honors, Niya Randolph, Alex Routsis, and Aubri Schwartze have been lauded for their exceptional performances.

Coach Scotty Bauman expressed his pride in the athletes, highlighting their hard work in preparation for the season. Bauman emphasized the competitive nature of the conference, noting the outstanding athletes who could have qualified for the awards, making the recognition even more meaningful.

Aubri Schwartze, a senior from Ames, Iowa, emerged as a pivotal figure for the Flippin' Birds, earning the Specialist of the Week award. Schwartze's personal best score of 9.90 on the bars, coupled with impressive performances on the beam and floor exercise, contributed significantly to the team's overall score of 196.025. Notably, her score of 9.900 on the bars led Southern Utah University to a historical milestone, with a bars total of 49.300, now ranking as the fifth-best in both the school's and conference's history.

Freshman Niya Randolph made a spectacular debut, earning the Gymnast of the Week title. Hailing from Las Vegas, NV, Randolph showcased her talent with top scores on the floor and in the all-around category. Her consistent performance, including impressive scores on the uneven bars, vault, and balance beam, contributed significantly to the Thunderbirds' success at the Mean Girls Super 16.

Alex Routsis, a freshman from Falcon, CO, also made a noteworthy impact in her first collegiate appearance. Her impressive score of 9.850 on the bars played a crucial role in the team's strong performance, contributing to a bars total of 49.300 that will be remembered in the record books.

Looking ahead, the Flippin' Birds are set to compete in the Rio Tinto Kennecott Best of Utah Meet on January 15. This highly anticipated event will bring together four gymnastics teams from across the state, promising another thrilling showcase of talent and competition at the Maverik Center in West Valley City, Utah.