Haro leads Michigan

One All-America honor was not enough for LaLo Haro.

It has been 28 years since Michigan has had an All-American in the all-around. Last Thursday, Haro broke that skid, placing fourth at the NCAA Championships at Penn State.

But after Berkeley claimed the team title on Friday, the Michigan co-captain returned for Saturday's individual finals, where he was again crowned an All-American - this time on vault.

"I went into the competition without expecting anything," Haro said. "All I was thinking was, 'Just do your best.'"

After a season of roller coaster performances, Haro was able to eliminate mistakes down the stretch, turning out strong routines both at NCAA Regionals and the Championships.

"He did what any good athlete will do," Michigan coach Kurt Golder said. "He was at his best when it was most important."

Haro placed fifth on vault Saturday with a 9.500, while in the all-around he recorded a 57.100 for the fourth-place finish. All-American status is awarded to the top six competitors in each event.

"He sure pulled it together this weekend," Golder said. "He has certainly done a lot for the Michigan program."

But Haro was not the only one to be recognized for his accomplishments last weekend. Golder was named the Collegiate Gymnastics Association Central coach of the year, and was also elected vice president.

After just two seasons as an NCAA head coach, Golder said the honor was unexpected, though his team seemed to think otherwise.

"We all knew he totally deserved it," Haro said. "It was such a good feeling after a long season. I think he was happy, just like us."

In his two years at Michigan, Golder has brought the program from the league cellar to the NCAA Regionals. His new recruiting class is considered by many other top coaches to be the most talented in the nation.

Aside from Haro, three other Wolverines participated in the individual prelims Thursday evening, but failed to advance to Saturday's finals. Freshman Kenny Keener scored a 9.650 on rings to finish in 15th place, while classmate Justin Toman was 37th on parallel bars with a 9.100.

Senior Tim Lauring concluded his collegiate career by finishing 23rd in the nation on vault with a 9.550.

Travis Romagnoli of Illinois scored a 58.225 to take the all-around title.

Finishing behind Berkeley's championship team score of 231.200 was Iowa with a 229.625.

Golder said that Haro's All-American performances were a big step for the program, but that this year's championships were a precursor for next season.

04-20-98