Bulldogs win Ivy Classic

They have tumbled into the spotlight once again. Last weekend, Yale gymnastics provided the large crowd at Payne Whitney Gymnasium an opportunity to see history in the making, winning the Ivy Classic meet with an astounding score of 193.250. The fans watched, jaws slightly agape, in awe of the dual Yale accomplishment of simultaneously nailing routines and having a blast.

REBECCA ROSENTHAL/YH Yale swept the Ivy Classic held at Payne Whitney this weekend in a full team effort.

"This weekend went so well for us because we went out on the floor wanting to have a good time," Jamie Green, TD '04, explained. "We really pulled together as a team and cheered each other on. The excitement kept building after each event."

The Ivy Classic meet brought Yale, Penn, Cornell, and Brown together in a showcase of the best gymnastics the Ivy League has to offer. Yale's starting rotation on the uneven bars was practically flawless, capturing the lead early in the meet. The Elis' point margin over rival teams steadily increased as the meet progressed.

The bars clearly started the meet off on the right foot for Yale, which was an especially notable accomplishment given the loss of veteran uneven bar talents Shoshanna Engel, DC '03, and Sumi Paul, SM '02. Engel is one of the team's top all-around performers, and the knee injury she acquired at the UMass meet certainly was a disappointment. However, Carolyn Wright, CC '03, and Waverly Dolaman, DC '04, had their first opportunities to compete this season, and they capitalized on it with the poise and power of professionals. "It was such an exciting start to the meet," Captain Lisa Crowley, ES '01, added.

Other gymnasts competing for the first time this year included Lara Flath, MC '03, on the floor exercise and Trista Miller, CC '04, on beam. "It was really exciting to be able to step up for the team and contribute," Flath explained enthusiastically.

REBECCA ROSENTHAL/YH

The crowd certainly noted this excitement and responded accordingly. After nearly every Yale routine, the fans exploded in applause. The Yale gymnasts on the sidelines instantly ran to each performer after her routine, embracing her in team spirit. "Watching the team from the sidelines was an incredible experience. Each and every person stepped up and did her job in a big way," Engel said.

Not only did Yale win top honors as a team, but individuals shined as well. Jamie Green, TD '04, captured three titles, winning the all-around competition (39.200), the uneven bars (9.8), and the floor exercise (9.8). Green started gymnastics at age five and loves the sport because it challenges her to keep improving personal bests. She cited contributing to the team as a major motivation for her, and claimed that gymnastics has positively impacted her adjustment from high school to Yale. "Everyone has been very supportive and has helped me through stressful weeks and disappointing practices," she said.

Additionally, Andrea Wolf, JE '03, helped to carry the team by placing second in all-around competition. The fan support in Payne Whitney, especially the surprise visits of her mom and sisters, kept a smile on her face throughout each event. Wolf has been one of Yale's highest-scoring and most consistent athletes for the past two years. She has posted scores in the top 10 in Yale history on all events and even holds the top four highest vault scores on the Yale record books.

This year's Ivy Classic will be eternally remembered by Crowley for a few reasons. Not only did she place in a few individual events and add an Ivy League Team Championship medal to her collection, but she also capped off the competition with a new trophy—a diamond ring from her sweetheart and new fiancé, Jon Stevens. After the meet, he snuck up behind Lisa and pointed to the stands, where Stevens had recruited fans to hold "Marry me Lisa" signs. When she said yes, they flipped the signs to read "She said yes!" "It sure was a lot of excitement for one day!" Crowley said.

This year's team has been one of the strongest in Yale history. Five talented freshmen have added motivation and depth to the roster, helping Yale to beat full scholarship schools. While in the past Yale has occasionally struggled to fill the lineup, this year's team seems to have too much talent for too few spots. "It's incredible to look back and see how far Yale gymnastics has progressed," Crowley said. Wolf added that this year's emphasis on the team aspect of gymnastics has bonded the athletes and aided in this season's success. "The best part about the team is by far the close-knit friendships and the support that everyone has for one another, both in and out of the gym," Wolf explained.

This past weekend was certainly a confidence-booster. Yale hopes to keep posting high scores in order to qualify for the NCAA Regionals. Meanwhile, the ECACs will take place the weekend of March 24. Not only is the team capable of winning this meet, but it is setting its sights on this title. The team wants to keep improving throughout the rest of the season. "We are hoping that this is not the climax," Green added. The best is hopefully yet to come.

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