Utah gymnastics accomplish 40 straight years at nationals


Save Story
Leer en español

Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

SALT LAKE CITY — Every day Utah gymnastics holds practice, it is reminded of the program’s success. Hanging in the Dumke Gymnastics Center are 39 flags representing a year from 1976 to 2014.

“If we made the Super Six, the flag is red. If we didn’t make it, it’s gray,” said co-head coach Megan Marsden explaining the Utes have made the Super Six 33 times. The top three teams in each semifinal advance to the Super Six.

This season marks the 40th time the team has qualified for the national championships. Since Greg Marsden started the program with a $4,500 budget and five tuition waivers, the Utes have never missed a national meet. Marsden still can’t believe the first Utah gymnastics team of eight made nationals and placed 10th.

“It goes to show how strong all these teams have been and what Greg has created here,” said senior Georgia Dabritz. “It is crazy to be a part of this.”

Utah won its first championship in 1981, and it came at the Special Events Center, now known as the Huntsman Center. The Red Rocks came into the national event ranked first in the nation. They scored 149.35, followed by Oregon State (147.075), UCLA (147.0416) and Penn State (146.175). Megan Marsden, then known as Megan McCunniff, was on Utah’s first championship team, placing fourth in the all-around with a 36.4.


It goes to show how strong all these teams have been and what Greg has created here. It is crazy to be a part of this.

–Georgia Dabritz


The night of Utah’s first championship win, Greg Marsden described the gymnast, who would later become his wife, as having the team’s most consistent performance.

The Red Rocks remained consistent and began a six-season stretch of national titles. The only other team to accomplish such continuous success is Georgia, who won the championship from 2005 to 2009. Georgia also ended Utah’s streak in 1987 by a mere 0.35.

In 1990 the Utes returned as champions, claiming victories on three of four events — Kristi Pinnick (9.9) on vault and Shelly Schaerrer on bars (9.875) and floor (9.85). The ‘90s continued treating the team well as it won titles in ‘92, ‘94 and ‘95.

Making nationals became an expectation. The Utes began to focus on what they need to get done and less about who they are trying to beat and how others do.

“There’s no defense in this sport,” Greg Marsden said.

Utah’s success has made it a role model for programs across the country. Auburn head coach Jeff Graba, a former Utah assistant coach, said a lot of his team’s foundation is based on what works for Utah.

“Greg and Megan basically know my routines,” Graba said jokingly.

Although the Red Rocks haven’t won the title in 20 years, the Utes still have the same mindset and believe they have a good chance returning as champions this time around.

“If we perform like we normally do, we will come out on the top three and go to the Super Six,” said Dabritz. She and her fellow seniors have been to the Super Six twice and placed fifth both times. The past two years, the team has missed the Super Six.

Utah is set to compete in the first semifinal with Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Stanford and UCLA in Fort Worth, Texas, April 17.

Related stories

Most recent Sports stories

Related topics

SportsUtah Utes
Holli Joyce

    ARE YOU GAME?

    From first downs to buzzer beaters, get KSL.com’s top sports stories delivered to your inbox weekly.
    By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

    KSL Weather Forecast