Men's gymnastics faces uphill climb

Luckily for first-year Michigan men's gymnastics coach Kurt Golder, the sport he tutors highlights individual achievement. As a result, he found some silver lining in the dark cloud that was the 1997 season.

Freshmen sensations Tim DeGraw and Jose "LaLo" Haro represented that bright spot.

With Michigan still reeling from years of stagnation at the bottom of the Big Ten standings, Golder saw only his two prized freshmen qualify for the NCAA preliminaries in 1997. The rest of the Wolverines struggled throughout the season and Michigan went winless in dual meets.

But DeGraw and Haro buddied up, as the only Wolverines competing in the post-season. Haro's scores were among the nation's best all year and DeGraw did what no other male Michigan gymnast has done in five years -- he became an All American.

Placing fourth in the floor exercise with a score of 9.75, DeGraw -- a transfer from Western Michigan University -- beat Olympian Blaine Wilson in the NCAA finals in Iowa City. "He was so close to being the national champion," Golder said. "But, the field was very tight."

DeGraw put up his best routine of the season at the NCAA championships, landing his difficult tumbles. He was also aided by having the last draw in his event.

"The All-American title will give (Tim) more confidence, and make him more well-known next year," Golder said. "That should improve his scores greatly with the judges next year."

Though he didn't fare as well as DeGraw in the post-season, Haro now has a successful season under his belt. The 22-year-old freshman led Michigan perpetually during the regular season and attained a No. 7 ranking in the all-around going into the NCAA preliminaries.

Haro came from Mexico to attend the University this year. Previously, Haro was virtually unknown among national judges. But Golder said Haro's name and record will be more than respected in coming years.

"The Big Tens have accomplished some of that," Golder said. "We gained a lot of recognition with (the Big Ten Championship). Next year, when he raises his hand, instead of the judges asking, who this is, they'll be saying, 'This guy is great.'

"LaLo is also capable of being an All American," Golder said.

Haro placed 11th in the NCAA preliminaries and failed to qualify for the finals in any event. He missed the finals cut by three places. Haro was expected to contend for the all-around title.

Despite Haro's collapse in the post-season, the contributions he and DeGraw made to the menŐs gymnastics program this past year are nearly immeasurable. It is only Golder's first year at Michigan as coach, and already he has an All-American athlete to brag about.

"It helps the team with recruiting and recognition," Golder said, referring to DeGraw's status.

The reinstatement of scholarship money does not hurt the Wolverines either. With additional money Michigan received last year, the Wolverines were able to entice DeGraw and Haro to the University.

The road ahead for Golder is still an uphill climb. But acquiring Michigan's two prized freshmen was the first step in the right direction. Next, Golder faces the task of further polishing the team's talent.

"We are on our way back," Golder said.

09-03-97