Gymnasts take to defending title n Champs preparing for season opener in Chicago; Golder emphasizes training for higher difficulty levels By Rohit Bhave Daily Sports Writer The Michigan men's gymnastics team is training to defend last year's national title with an opening date Windy City Invitational on Jan. 15. Following their Dec. 3 Intrasquad scrimmage, the Wolverines had a good indication of their present condition. "Although we showed several rough spots in events like the rings, horse and the vault, I was pleased at the difficulty level that we could execute at this time of the year," Michigan assistant coach Mike Burns said. Burns noted that the NCAA is now allowing a higher difficulty level on all events. Michigan coach Kurt Golder's program has emphasized training for increased difficulty on events. At the heart of Michigan's ability to execute the most difficult routines is its renowned strength program. Instead of using the traditional weight resistance, the Wolverines use the gymnast's own body weight for strength, imitating movements actually used in the gym. "We have been asked to teach our methods to other programs and clubs throughout the nation ... it's really been beneficial for us," Burns said. Golder's squad vaults into the 2000 season armed with the skills of U.S. National team members Justin Toman, 1998 All-American Lalo Haro and 1999 Big Ten Freshman of the Year Scott Vetere. In addition, Michigan returns sophomore Daniel Diaz-Luong, whom Burns labeled as "one of the most talented people on the team." The returnees will be joined by skilled freshmen Jamie Hertza and Conan Parzuchowski. One gymnast looking to come back from injury is 1998 Freshman of the Year Kevin Roulston. "I expect Kevin to really show his form this year, coming back from injury last season," Burns said. "He won the intrasquad scrimmage." Seven Michigan gymnasts will be involved with the 2000 Olympic Trials, headed by Toman who missed the Intrasquad scrimmage because he was training with the U.S. National Team in Colorado. Toman values the experience with the National Team, pointing to the positive effects of the competition. "We pushed each other to perform at our best, maintaining an intense level of focus," said Toman. Although he has competed with the nation's best, Toman still maintains that the collegiate level offers the tightest team atmosphere he has competed in. Toman sees his Olympic experience as a benefit to the Michigan team as a whole. "Being in an Olympic year, we will be pushing for harder routines, and as a result, our practices are going to be that much more focused," Toman said. As a captain, he sees his responsibility to push his teammates and to ensure they complete the extra repetition, the extra set. "As a team, we need to avoid injuries, and cockiness stemming from last year's title," Toman said. As a whole, the 2000 team should be dominant, with superb talent returning to the hands of Golder, Burns, and new assistant coach Mike Rashanelli. In Golder's three seasons at Michigan, he has turned the program from an 0-16 record in 1997 to last year's national championship. Much of the turnaround can be traced to the 1998 recruiting class, and highly skilled coaching. "They can teach every skill in the sport, no matter the complexity, and find the best way to communicate an idea to us," says Toman. Joanna Paine/Daily This season the Michigan men's gymnastics team will be training for the upcoming Olympic Trials. Fans will see routines that are more difficult than in the past. Originally on page 3B in the 1-5-2000 issue of the Daily.