Navy Gymnastics Concludes 2024 NCAA Championship with Strong Individual Performances
Navy Gymnastics Shines at NCAA Championship Event Finals
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Navy gymnastics team showcased their talent and determination at the 2024 NCAA Championship event finals on Saturday night. With four Midshipmen competing as individuals, the team aimed to secure NCAA All-American status and did not disappoint.
Leading the charge was Isaiah Drake, who narrowly missed out on a top-eight finish on the rings by just 0.3 points. The junior from Los Angeles put forth a stellar performance with a routine that earned him a score of 13.633, tying him for 19th place in a highly competitive field.
Sophomore Matthew Petros was another standout performer for Navy, competing on both the parallel bars and high bar. His efforts earned him respectable scores, showcasing his skill and determination on the biggest stage in collegiate gymnastics.
Joining Petros in their first NCAA Championship event final experience were sophomores Danilo Viciana and Colby Prince. Viciana impressed on the parallel bars, earning a score of 13.7, while Prince delivered a solid floor exercise routine that earned him a score of 13.6.
Head coach Kip Simons expressed his pride in the team’s performance, stating, “The guys stepped up big tonight. They hit all five routines and battled on the biggest stage in the country. I am so proud of their performance this weekend. Our program represented the U.S. Naval Academy with class and professionalism.”
In the team finals, Stanford emerged victorious for the fifth consecutive year with a dominant score of 425.324. Michigan secured the runner-up position, while Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Illinois rounded out the top five teams.
Overall, Navy’s performance at the NCAA Championship event finals was a testament to their hard work and dedication, solidifying their status as a force to be reckoned with in collegiate gymnastics.