The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh gymnastics team took home its second consecutive National Collegiate Gymnastics Association championship, winning the title Saturday in Winona, Minnesota.
A contingent of welcoming fans, alumni, UW Oshkosh employees and members of the pep band turned out on a sparkling Sunday afternoon as a coach bus transporting the team was escorted onto campus by a pair of University Police squads.
The gymnasts bolted off the bus with a new shiny trophy. They were met outside Kolf Sports Center where there were loud cheers, cameras and music.
“This is what it’s all about,” said Athletic Director Darryl Sims, who was brimming with pride for the team that earned back-to-back championships.
The UWO gymnastics team returned to Oshkosh as national champions yet again Sunday.
The Titans won in dramatic fashion—with solid results on the balance beam to cap a day of stellar performances.
“It was high-drama,” said Chancellor Andrew Leavitt, who was in attendance at the meet, and explained that the Titans needed a strong performance on the beam—their last event of the day and a difficult piece of apparatus.
Leavitt spoke of the gymnasts’ level of excellence and the hard work they put in all season.
Describing it as an “amazing experience,” coach Lauren Karnitz said she teared up—“a lot”—when UWO was named champions.
“I just know how hard they worked for me all year,” she said. “It’s not easy to keep yourself at that level all year.”
Karnitz said the second championship came down to details and everyone performing their best.
“You guys had each other’s backs yesterday and (the entire) season,” she told the team.
The Titans won the West Regional title for the third consecutive time on March 11 at Kolf Sports Center. They entered nationals ranked second to State University of New York Brockport. The Titans’ sole loss during the season was at UW-La Crosse—the eventual runner-up at nationals.
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