Tumblers' frosh foursome bursting on scene

By Naweed Sikora

Daily Sports Writer

Although they may not compare to Michigan basketball's Fab Five of old, the Michigan women's gymnastics' "freshman four" are raising many eyebrows around the University community and the Big Ten.

This quartet of freshman gymnasts has already significantly impacted the team - adding youth and talent to a lineup overflowing with experience and confidence.

Elise Ray, Christine Mantilia, Calli Ryals and Alison Rudisi, already well known around the nation as accomplished gymnasts, have begun to win the hearts of Michigan gymnastics fans across Ann Arbor.

Each gymnast has the ability to add different skills to the Michigan lineup, enabling the team to develop a more balanced attack.

The most influential freshman to this point has been superstar Calli Ryals. In the past two meets, Ryals has recorded two first-place finishes on the floor exercise and one second-place finish in the all-around competition.

"From the moment we signed Calli, we knew she was going to develop into a terrific college gymnast," coach Bev Plocki said. "The artistry of her movement is what stands out the most. Her routines are incredible."

Ryals has demonstrated amazing poise in her first three competitions. Her ability to earn high scores consistently in the floor exercise has been, and will continue to be, a valuable resource for the Wolverines this season.

"When I compete, I try not to worry about the outcome," Ryals said. "That way, the pressure does not affect me as much."

Of course, last Friday marked the highly anticipated debut of freshman Elise Ray. It was her first competition since the Olympics, and she did not disappoint, finishing second in the all-around competition, only .075 of a point behind Iowa's Alexis Maday.

"I was nervous going in, but once I got into the swing of things, everything was great," Ray said.

Ray will be a tremendous all-around performer for Michigan, but her strength will lie on the uneven bars, where she will be a major factor this season.

For Mantilia and Rudisi, unfortunate injuries have limited their performances early in the season. Still, Plocki expects these young stars to have very productive seasons.

"Christine is a hard worker and a great kid," Plocki said. "Her strength lies in her consistency, and she has many great skills. We are just working on polishing them up a bit."

Mantilia is expected to be an all-around competitor once her foot heals. She debuted for Michigan in the Super Six Challenge, competing on bars and the beam.

"It was nerve-racking because the top teams from the country were there," Mantilia said. "It really helped to have the whole team there cheering for you."

Rudisi is also expected to evolve into an all-around performer, but because of knee problems, she has yet to compete in a Michigan uniform.

"I've been in rehab since I got here, but the team has been very supportive towards me," Rudisi said. "Right now, I'm hoping to make the beam lineup."

Although this has been a very stressful time for the freshman, they have managed to ease their transition into college life by supporting each other.

"We all live very close to each other, we eat together and we go to the gym together," Mantilia said. "We are a very close-knit group and we help each other a lot."

With the exception of Rudisi, the freshman will be showcasing their talent this Friday when Michigan travels to Kentucky.

With its varied talents and unique skills, this group should be a dominating force for Michigan women's gymnastics for years to come.

BRENDAN O'DONNELL/Daily

The future of the Michigan women's gymnastics team is looking up, thanks to a sensational freshman class: Elise Ray (above), Calli Ryals, Christine Mantilia and Alison Rudisi.