What Are the Gym Dogs' Chances of Winning the Columbia Regional?

by T Kyle King on Mar 30, 2010 12:15 AM EDT in Events

Although it has been a disappointing season by the Gym Dogs’ lofty standards, Georgia earned the No. 1 seed in the Columbia Regional, is ranked No. 5 in the nation, and produced five all-conference gymnasts at the recent SEC Championships. Accordingly, the Red and Black received a fairly favorable draw in the opening round. Here is how the top four seeds in the Columbia Regional break down:

Team	Rank	RQS	Avg.	High	Date
Georgia	5	196.895	196.419	197.9	3/6/2010
Oregon St.	8	196.545	196.233	196.925	2/26/2010
Missouri	15	196.085	195.535	196.875	2/26/2010
Minnesota	25	195.16	194.087	195.35	3/27/2010

"RQS" is regional qualifying score. "Date" is the date on which the team in question achieved its high score ("High"). Georgia has the highest regional qualifying score, the highest average score, and the highest high score, and the Gym Dogs hit their high water mark more recently than either of the other top three seeds. As for the other two teams in the Columbia Regional, Iowa has lost four of its last six dual meets, carding scores of 195.175 or below in all but two of them, and North Carolina has exceeded a 194.225 score just twice this year (albeit in the Tar Heels’ two most recent meets).

The top two teams in the Columbia Regional will move on to the NCAA Championships. It would take a significant upset for the Gym Dogs to finish lower than second place on April 10.

Go ‘Dawgs!

Tweet Comment 3 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Here's my take on their chances

Go ahead and “pencil them in,” but feel free to use a sharpie!

Not only is their RQS higher than the rest of the teams, but it is nearly a half point higher. In gymnastics, that’s like 2 TDs. Not even Mizzou’s home mat advantage can overcome the talent gap.

In fact, go ahead and pencil in the following five for the Super Six competing for the national title in G’ville: Okalhoma, Bama, UGA, UF & UCLA. The last team could be one of 4-5 teams who are too close to call.

UGA, Utah, UCLA and Bama are the only 4 schools to win national titles in gymnastics. UF has a chance this season, but is still likely a year away. Oklahoma has a better chance to become the 5th school this year. The Sooners and Tide seem to be the 2 best teams going in.

by skigator93 on Mar 31, 2010 11:46 AM EDT reply actions

That's a fair assessment

It’s clear the Gym Dogs aren’t winning another national title this year. I will consider the season a failure if Georgia doesn’t make it out of the Columbia Regional, and I will be concerned if Georgia doesn’t win the Columbia Regional outright. I will be disappointed, but not surprised, if Georgia fails to make the Super Six.

Go 'Dawgs!

by T Kyle King on Mar 31, 2010 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions

That's pretty fair expectations

Although making the Super Six in the new coach’s first year after losing Kupets (and whoever else) would have to be considered a pretty big success too.

by skigator93 on Mar 31, 2010 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions