“We’re going to have some real strength in our floor exercise performances,” Klages said.

“I think (assistant coach) Katie Minasola has done a great job with our choreography, and it’s fun to watch.”

Coming in as one of the Spartans’ top performers on the floor this weekend, senior gymnast Nicole Argiros said this season’s choreographies take on new skills and will challenge the Spartans
Against Michigan, Iowa and Western Michigan this weekend, the Spartans had three gymnasts score in the top 10, with sophomore gymnast Shanthi Teike landing a three-way tie for sixth place at 9.775.

Agreeing with Klages, Argiros said even with solid performances this weekend, there is still room to improve for more stable routines.

Because the team has so much potential for success on this event, it is crucial for MSU to perfect the details of its performances early on for season-long success.

“We have some pretty fun floor routines, so as long as everyone does the routines that were choreographed and the skills that are in it, then we will get really good scores,” Argiros said.
“It’s just fun to be out on the floor and smile and act like yourself.”

Changing the lineup
Although the Spartans have found their strengths, they still are unsure about how the lack of depth will affect the season.

With senior gymnast Kathryn Mahoney currently in rehab after fracturing her C6 vertebra, MSU’s lineup took a hard hit.

Adding to the blow, senior gymnast Kelsey Morley also is on the injured list.

Despite the injuries putting a strain on the Spartans, it also has opened the door for the underclassmen.

“In terms of working on depth, somebody who we thought, ‘We probably won’t use you,’ is now, ‘OK, you need to start to prepare,’” Klages said.

“So though they’re all training all the events that they’re capable of training, they’re all at different levels of preparation.”

Time to step up
With seven incoming freshmen, almost half the team is challenged with adjusting from the club seasons to collegiate seasons.

However, with the openings in MSU’s lineup, the freshmen have an opportunity to gain some experience they normally might not get until a few more meets into the season.

“Having seven new freshmen coming in, it’s been difficult with trying to learn the rules and how everything works,” freshman gymnast Gillian Carr said.

“The team leadership on this team has really helped us a lot, but getting the first meet out of the way — that really helps a lot.”

The Spartans have several tactics they utilize during practice to help prepare everyone for high-pressure situations and so they know how to react and still perform.

“We just need to create more pressure situations in the gym so it feels like a competition,” Argiros said.“They just need to have confidence in themselves and do what they do in practice on the competition floor.”

Even with the preparation at practice, Klages said everyone’s first year is a challenge no matter the overall team situation.

“We as coaches say, ‘You’ve got to live through your freshman year to get it,’ and that’s basically where we’re at, starting to live through that year,” Klages said.*