Thursday night was a night of destiny for the Minnesota Golden Gophers gymnastics squad. Not only did the team upset #4 UCLA and #9 Arkansas to advance to their first ever Final Four, but Minnesota senior Brooklyn Rowray turned in the beam routine of her life and took home the NCAA Championship in the event. She becomes only Minnesota’s second ever individual event NCAA Champion in program history after Marie Roethlisberger won the uneven bars in 1990.
Rowray had been peaking at the right time for
Minnesota. Prior to Thursday night the senior from Des Moines, Iowa had earned 9.925 scores six of her last seven routines, including both nights at regionals. She took that to an even higher level on Thursday recording a 9.9625 and took home the individual title.
“I think I’m still in shock,” Rowray said. “The support of my teammates and my coaches means everything. I knew I can come out here and trust them and rely on them. I just do my job. I’m so honored and grateful to represent the University of Minnesota. This is just such a blessing.”
Besides Rowray, the Gophers picked up a program record additional seven NCAA Championships All-Americans on Thursday. Jordyn Lyden earned All-America on floor, Arianna Ostrum all-around, beam and vault, Sarah Moraw on beam and Teryn Crump and Lacie Saltzmann on bars.
The Gophers go for a team National Championship Saturday at 3 PM on ABC
