One reason University of Utah gymnastics coaches wanted a new practice facility -- which should be ready in a month -- was to keep up with other top programs. They used sparkling buildings to attract good recruits, while the Utes worked out in a dark gym.
Two members of the Utes' newest recruiting class, who inked NCAA letters-of-intent in the recent early signing period, say the new facility did weigh in their decisions. But what really attracted them to Utah was the coaches, team, surroundings, championship heritage and the medical school. Pretty much the same thing that's brought top gymnasts to Utah for decades.Utah's three-woman recruiting class for the 1999-2000 season includesKim Allan, Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, a 1998 Canadian national team member who placed third in that country's national championships last spring; Erin Prewitt, Talmadge, Ohio; and Leah Sabo, Hubbard, Ohio.
Sabo and Prewitt are 1998 Junior Olympic Team members who were first and second, respectively, in the 1998 Ohio state meet; and Prewitt was fifth all-around and Sabo 12th in the '98 nationals. Both competed for the U.S. in August in Sweden, with Sabo taking third in floor exercise.
Although they live about 45 miles apart, Prewitt and Sabo didn't know each other until competition brought them together a couple of years ago. They became friends, took a couple of college recruiting trips together and hoped to enter the same school. Independently, they narrowed their choices to Utah and Nebraska, and both chose Utah.
"I really like the area and especially liked the coaching staff and team," said Sabo by phone from Ohio Wednesday, adding that coaches Greg and Megan Marsden and assistant Aki Hummel "made me feel real welcome there."
The new facility influenced her "to a point. I wanted to be able to train without putting too much wear and tear on my body," she said. The new gym is similar to what's available at her club, Olympic Dreams.
She knew of Utah's 10 national championships in 22 years before recruiting began, and the Utah media guide was the first she ever received. "I thought, 'Wow, they're really good.' It was an honor when the recruited me," said Sabo.
Prewitt, a 4.0 student who hopes to become a doctor and enter sports medicine, was impressed with the med school and already knew the Ute reputation. "I liked the idea of a new facility to work in," she said. "I want to keep learning everything I can to get better and help the team."
She entered the sport at age 3; her parents started their three boys and daughter in gymnastics early. The boys went on to other sports; Prewitt loved gymnastics from the beginning.
Prewitt and Allan are powerful athletes who should help upgrade Utah's vault and tumbling, says Marsden, adding that it's an area where the U. needed to improve to stay even with Georgia, UCLA, Michigan and others. He puts this 1999-2000 recruiting class on a par with Georgia's and UCLA's, also three-person classes. Rival Alabama had only one scholarship available.
Sabo is the dancer of the group, and that fits with traditional Ute gymnasts. Marsden requires perfect execution of routines in practice before the public ever sees them. Sabo says her club is the same way. "Her dance skills are just exquisite," Marsden says.
Marsden expects all three to contend for all-around spots.