The Michigan men's gymnastics team returns to action after a week off of team competition. Although five of the gymnasts went to Las Vegas to compete for national honors, most of the team used the week to relax a little.
For a team that has been decimated by injuries all year, the week off should be a good break from a grueling season. This weekend's meet is another break of sorts for the team - they have the week off from the top-ranked Big Ten, and face out-of-conference foe Massachusetts.
The Big Ten is undoubtedly the toughest conference in the nation - the top six teams in the rankings are all members of the Big Ten. But other teams are looking to break the stranglehold, including the 10th-ranked Minutemen.
Massachusetts poses a real challenge to the Wolverines. The meet against Michigan is very important to the Minutemen - so important that Massachusetts canceled its meet this past weekend against Army so that the team would have more time to prepare for its trip to Ann Arbor.
Although the reason for Massachusetts' determination is unclear, it is something that has to concern the Wolverines. Michigan has lost two meets by very close scores recently - one to Penn State, and one to Ohio State. Michigan coach Kurt Golder has not been concerned with his team winning or losing, but instead with the performances. The team itself, though, does not like to lose.
In Las Vegas this past weekend, Massachusetts' Jeff LaVallee was able to finish ahead of Michigan's all-arounders. In the NCAA rankings, Michigan's Daniel Diaz-Luong is third in the country leading a contingent of four Wolverines in the top 25 - Diaz-Luong, Scott Vetere, LaLo Haro and Josh Levin. Massachusetts' LaVallee and his teammate Steve Pryor rank ahead of all but Diaz-Luong though, 11th and 12th respectively.
"There may be a little rivalry between our guys and their all-arounders. LaVallee finished ahead of us," Golder said.
In addition to having revenge against LaVallee on their side, the Wolverines could be aided by the experience they gained in Las Vegas this past weekend. Diaz-Luong, Vetere and Levin all performed well in front of a national committee.
The other Wolverines hope to be fresh returning from their layoff, so that they can return to a top level of performance. Although the week was helpful, it wasn't long enough for the team to get totally healthy. Brad Kenna is still recovering from an injury as is Tim Dehr. Both Kenna and Dehr, along with Kevin Roulston, will be out this weekend. Justin Toman is also not healthy enough to compete on still rings.
All are expected to be back by the Big Ten Championships - a critical time for the team to be at full strength.
But they are used to the injuries, competing in all of their meets this year without a full team available. The team has stepped up consistently and covered for their fallen teammates.
This weekend, the Wolverines will compete at home for the first time in three weeks before going on the road the next two weeks. The meet is an important chance for the team to assert itself, and prove the Big Ten's dominance of the sport.
"The guys didn't like losing at home, and we're ready to kick some butt this weekend," Golder said.
02-19-99
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