As I write this intro, it’s Wednesday night, and I am ALREADY pacing my house with excitement for this matchup. It’s still days away. If I could type this entirely in all caps, I would.
Now that meet day is finally here, right off the bat, and if you followed along with a single live blog of mine last season with Yale and LIU, you know exactly where we’re starting: Ilka Juk, Mara Titarsolej, and Raegan Walker. Juk is a steady three-event athlete with a beam routine that’ll actually make you question just how it’s all possible. Last year she dismounted with a back handspring full to layout full, but with the new requirements, that’ll change. Jah’Liyah Bedminster is another three-event Shark to keep your eyes on. Titarsolej notched the first-ever program 10 last season, doing so on bars, an event you can expect her to win on a regular basis this season. Another jewel in the LIU beam lineup, Syd Morris, has a STUNNING pike jump. Go ahead, try one out in your own home. But keep the standing full in your heart.
Walker, Walker, Walker. While at times consistency proved to be a struggle last season, the Yale senior is a shining star, and when she’s on beam, you can sit back, relax, and truly enjoy gymnastics. Expect to see Yale gymnast Oren Aviad more…
