TUCSON, Ariz. – Relentless. It was said many times throughout the 2015 Arizona gymnastics season and that is exactly what the team was. Several injuries struck the team just days before the start of the season but that never scared the GymCats nor did it hinder them from a successful season. The team finished at No. 17 in the nation and No. 5 in the Pac-12. The Wildcats finished seven spots ahead of their No. 24 finish in 2014. The team finished with an overall record of 15-7-1 but there was so much more to celebrate outside the wins.
NO FALL ZONE
Arizona had a tremendous year on the balance beam. During the entire season the team fell only seven times and only had to count one fall. In the final four meets of the season the team did not see a single fall.
Throughout the entire season the Wildcats only saw 18 falls out of the 310 routines performed.
BRINGING IN THE CROWD
The Wildcats increased the home crowd once again this year with a new average and the largest crowd McKale has seen for a gymnastics meet in over ten years. The GymCats averaged 1,513 audience members and had a record of 2,112 when the Wildcats faced the University of Utah.
AWARD WINNERS
Madison Cindric- Freshman of the Week (Week of March 16)
Jessie Sisler- Specialist of the Week (Week of Jan. 13), Second Team All- Conference on floor, Pac-12 second All-Academic team, C.A.T.S. Female Junior Athlete of the Year
Allie Flores- First Team All-Conference All-Around, Pac-12 All Academic Honorable Mention, C.A.T.S. Community Service Award
Team- C.A.T.S. Team Community Service Award
BREAKING RECORDS
When Arizona traveled to Texas Woman’s University the team scored their third highest team score in program history with a 197.125. The only scores higher than this year’s team score were made in 2003 with a 197.375 and 2004 with a 197.300.
That evening they also scored the second highest team beam score in program history with a 49.450. The only score higher than this year’s score was made in 2003 with a score of 49.500.
CAREER MILESTONES
Several personal bests were made this season. Each gymnast scored personal bests and each event saw new career highs.
Selynna Felix-Terrazas- 9.775 (vault)
Shay Fox- 9.900 (beam), 9.875 (floor)
Krysten Howard- 9.850 (beam), 9.800 (floor)
Gabby Laub- 9.900 (bars)
Lexi Mills- 9.950 (beam), 9.925 (floor)
Jessie Sisler- 9.850 (vault), 9.950 (beam), 9.950 (floor)
SENIORS
Seniors Allie Flores, Shay Fox, Amber Wobma and team manager Ahnalee Cristello ended their time as GymCats this season. Flores, Wobma and Cristello each dedicated four years to the program. Fox contributed three, one as a team manager and two as a gymnast. Although they were introduced in McKale for the last time, their leadership and competitive drive will leave a lasting impact on the program.
TREMENDOUS TRIO
Three freshmen joined the team this year- Madison Cindric, Kennady Schneider and Victoria Ortiz. The three hit the ground running this season as each competed in every meet.
After senior Allie Flores sustained a season ending injury at Texas Woman’s University, Cindric stepped up to the place. She was added to the uneven bars lineup, making Arizona’s newest all-around competitor. Cindric’s personal bests include 9.850 on vault, 9.925 on bars, 9.850 on beam, 9.850 on floor and 39.350 in all-around.
Schenider quickly became a crowd favorite on floor with her self-choreographed and energetic floor routine. Her enthusiasm and fun personality is contagious to the team, staff and fans. Her personal bests include 9.725 on beam and 9.875 on floor.
Ortiz’s strength on bars is unparalleled. Her height on her tkachev leaves the audience in awe each time she hits the uneven bars. Her incredible strength and talent gave her a career best of 9.900 on the event.
STACKED ROSTER
Next season, Wildcat fans will see seniors Danielle Buchanan and Kristin Klarenbach once again hit the floor. The team will be returning 11 GymCats next season.
Four freshmen have also signed national letters of intent for the fall of 2015. Haylie Hendrickson, Charle Dembo, Skyler Sheppard, Brittany Robertson and Danielle Spencer will be joining the GymCats next season.
For continued coverage of Arizona Gymnastics, follow the team at arizonawildcats.com/gymnastics, on Facebook at facebook.com/ArizonaGymnastics and on Twitter @AZGymnastics.
