PROVO, Utah - BYU gymnastics will host the first Cougar Classic this Saturday, a Junior Olympic meet for local gymnasts to interact with collegiate gymnasts and gain experience competing.
“We are so excited to be hosting this event,” assistant coach Brogan Evanson said. “The response from the community has been overwhelming. This event is something we want to contribute to gymnastics in the state of Utah, and I’m excited to see what this can do for the sport at BYU and in the state as we connect with others who love gymnastics in our community.”
More than 500 local gymnasts will come to the Smith Fieldhouse on BYU campus to compete. The Junior Olympic meet is a USA Gymnastics sanctioned event, providing an incredible opportunity for those participating to not only compete but also interact with gymnasts on No. 19-ranked BYU team.
“Our gymnasts are so excited about helping these younger girls look forward to college gymnastics,” Evanson said. “It’s fun for them to look back on what they remember about being a kid in the sport.”
The meet isn’t just for those competing; the Cougar Classic provides an opportunity for current BYU gymnasts to understand how they can benefit the gymnastics community after college.
“I think our athletes will start to understand that they have a lot to offer to the gymnastics community as they’re working behind the scenes to put this meet on,” Evanson said. “It’s going to be a real springboard for our girls to be able to jump into the community as they graduate and see they can make a difference.”
Gymnasts, coaches and family members attending the meet will be able to experience BYU campus through a student-athlete’s eyes. Participants will compete in the Smith Fieldhouse and be able to experience the incredible gymnastics facilities and campus of BYU.
Those participating in the meet on Saturday will have access to attend the NCAA meet on Friday night when the No. 19 Cougars take on No. 10 Denver and Southern Utah. This will allow participants and their coaches and families to experience gymnastics at a collegiate level before competing the following day.
The Cougar Classic begins at 8 a.m. and will run until 9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online. As a USA Gymnastics sanctioned event, access to the competition area will be limited to athletes and coaches. Coach hospitality will be available, and concessions are available for participants and families. No medals or trophies will be awarded due to BYU Gymnastics’ NCAA affiliation; however, participants will receive certificates and all winners will be recognized.