They're going to Disney World!
Well, almost.
The No. 4 Michigan women's gymnastics team is going to Orlando, Fla. tomorrow to compete in the Magical Classic against 8th-ranked UCLA, No. 11 Florida and No. 18 Kentucky. The competition will take place at Orlando's Orange County Convention Center, hosted by Brown's Gymnastics.
According to statistics, rankings and overall performance this season, Michigan holds the advantage in this competition. The Wolverines have held the edge in the past few meets as they were on their home turf, but look forward to the challenge of a meet away from home.
"We try to build on the pressure," Michigan freshman Sarah-Elizabeth Langford said. "The meet will be a challenge, but as long as we maintain our consistency, we will do well."
The Magical Classic will be the fourth meeting in three years between the Wolverines and the Bruins. Michigan still holds the advantage, as the Wolverines have won the last two meetings.
Under Michigan coach Bev Plocki, the Wolverines are 1-3 against the Gators, and have not lost in three meets against Kentucky.
With consistent top performances by sophomores Nikki Peters, Beth Amelkovich and freshman Sarah Cain, the Wolverines are looking for a repeat of a few more perfect 10s in the Magical Classic.
Peters tied Beth Wymer's Michigan record for consecutive 10s on an apparatus in the Oregon State competition on Feb. 14, as she scored her fourth straight 10 on the uneven bars. She is currently ranked No. 1 in the country in that event.
"Nikki has really raised her level of commitment to the program over the last few weeks," Plocki said. "She continues to compete at a high level, and I expect her to score a few more perfect 10s this year."
Amelkovich will also provide a great deal of support for the Wolverines in the competition this weekend, as she has consistently managed placement positions in the all-around competition.
Cain looks to continue her streak of all-around titles in the Magical Classic, as she has already received five out of seven.
"Sarah is a competitive athlete who looks to excel each time she performs," Plocki said. "I don't expect Sarah to be perfect everytime out, but she has shown the ability to perform at a consistent level."
Consistency will be the key in the competition this weekend. The Wolverines cannot allow for any breaks or distractions-they must remain mentally focused to win.
"If our mental attitudes are there, we can beat our personal goals, and from there everything else will fall into place," Langford said.
The Wolverines have been upgrading their skills in practice and completing different tumbling passes in order to promote a higher level of competition.
"We want our routines to be solid," said Michigan sophomore Kathy Burke. "We're going to keep our minds set, and not be concerned with winning or losing. The idea is to peak at the end of the season, and that's what we are doing."