It was a double feature on Jan. 20 at Jenison Field House, where MSU gymnastics and wrestling went head-to-head with its respective opponents for Tumbles and Takedowns. The wrestling team hosted No. 16 Central Michigan University and gymnastics hosted Minnesota.
The ladies of MSU established an early lead after a mishap the Golden Gophers had, but in the final two rotations Minnesota came back to win, 193.875-193.00.
The men had trouble early against the Chippewas. With wins from senior Javier Gasca and transfer Austin Eicher they were just short of a comeback and lost, 23-12.
MSU women’s gymnastics just missed its first possible Big Ten win against Minnesota. Senior Nicola Deans won the vault and tied for first on the floor with senior Kira Frederick by scoring 9.775 and 9.825. Deans also finished second in the all-around competition, scoring 38.375. Minnesota's Bailie Holst took home the all-around win with and she tied for her wins in the bars and floor.
On the wrestling side of Jenison the competition started with the 184-pound weight class, which featured MSU’s Shwan Shadaia and Jordan Ellingwood of Central Michigan. The match ended with a loss for Shadaia by major decision, 8-0. Losing by decision and major decision was the trend for MSU of matches for MSU throughout the 197-pound, heavyweight and 125-pound weight classes, until Eicher stepped out on the mat.
Redshirt-sophomore Eicher is a transfer from Northern Illinois University, where he competed in the MAC Championship against his Friday opponent Corey Keener. Last year, Eicher took the MAC Championship away from Keener, and during this recent match it wasn’t any different. The redshirt-sophomore was dominant and successful with the execution of his takedowns and reversals, winning with a 6-2 decision. Eicher is now 15-11 this season, breaking his four-match losing streak.
Following Eicher was senior Gasca. The senior beat Central Michigan's Mason Smith with a 7-1 decision.
Both teams will be back in action this upcoming week. Gymnastics will be traveling to Rutgers to compete in a tri-meet with Cornell University and Rutgers.
MSU wrestling will travel to Champaign, Ill. to compete against Illinois.
Spartan gymnastics' next home meet will be Feb. 11 against the University of Michigan in Jenison Field House. Spartan wrestling will be back in Jenison on Jan. 29 to compete against Rutgers.
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