USU takes on BSU in first home meet

Julie Ann Grosshans

The Utah State gymnastics team will host its first home match of the season against Boise State University Friday following two meets on the road.

“It’s just another meet,” said coach Ray Corn concerning Friday’s match-up.

“To look at it any other way right now would be counterproductive and would impede what we are looking for in these first three or four meets, which is progress,” he said.

“I’m really excited about our first home match of the season,” said sophomore Nicole Kilpatrick, who will compete in all-around for the first time this season. “I haven’t done all-around in a long time, but I’m really excited to help contribute to the team.”

Boise State, defending Big West champion, is currently 1-1 on the season with its 192.225-188.800 win against the Aggies during the season-opener in Idaho.

The Aggies lead the all-time series against the Broncos, 39-6, which includes an 18-2 home advantage.

“We are going to put some different people in different spots and simply improve in our performance level and consistency level as to what we accomplished at Berkely,” Corn said.

USU’s third-place finish with 194.450 at the quad-meet at Cal-Berkely put the team at 19th in national rankings – its first time among the top 25 this season.

“We are pretty accustomed to being (in the top 25),” Corn said.

Based on high score, USU is also ranked fourth in the nation on the beam (49.150) and 12th on the vault (48.750).

Following the match Friday at 7 p.m., the Aggies will have a week off until they host Southern Utah Feb. 2 in the Spectrum.