Utes Tune Up for Redemption
The University of Utah Utes reached a position this week they haven't seen in four years– the No. 1 spot in NCAA gymnastics, overtaking No. 2 UCLA and No. 3 Georgia, the defending national champions. The Utes hope to achieve one more thing this year, however, by holding that spot 10 weeks from now when the NCAA Championship is on the line.
That No. 1 spot couldn't have come at a better time. A time when they hope to dash Georgia's hope of winning five consecutive national titles in 2009. If they keep the Dogs from the No. 1 spot going into NCAA championships, it could set the stage for an epic showdown.
Since 2006, the Utes have finished second to the University of Georgia every year. They've suffered a 14-year drought since their last national title. First place eluded them for four entire years, even though the program holds the NCAA records for national titles, wins and attendance.
Utah Head Coach Greg Marsden has been there through it all. The records, the titles, the drought. Marsden is Utah's first and only coach in the program's 34 year history. He led them to 10 national titles. He has his sights firmly set on bringing bringing number 11 to Utah in 2009 and says retirement isn't in sight.
The Utes know second place well. First place now could mean first place by mid-April at the NCAA Championship, the end of an era for Georgia gymnastics and the beginning of Greg Marsden's comeback.
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