re: Remove

Back to talking about recruiting: any hope for Leanne Wong coming to LSU with Aleah Finnegan? After seeing the post Aleah made for Leanne’s birthday yesterday, I’m praying Aleah can get LW to come to BR with her but I also don’t want to get my hopes up

Florida has been The chatter for a while with Wong but she has been in contact with the Cali schools too. Education is important for her and her family

I’d rather her go to a school like Cal Or Stanford than UCLA or Florida

Aleah has never had the best form on bars or the highest difficulty. She isn't what you would call a natural swinger. I think her coaches are playing with difficulty because she tends to miss handstands and pirouettes. I think as long as they pace her and not overwork her, her form should improve. I also think once she gets to college and works with Jay, she'll become a much better bar worker. If we all remember, Sarah was known in elite for her beam and floor. She was an Olympic alternate because of this (Anna Li bars, Ebie Price vault/floor). Sarah had a viable bar routine (had improved greatly by trials 2012) but she wasn't as consistent or experienced as some of the other gymnasts at that time. But I have faith that Al and Armine (although I do question their routine construction at times) will find her a routine that works. They have done wonders with Kara Eaker's bar routine this year. Hoping they do the same for Aleah.

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Updates to Clark’s contract include a raise and extension.

The new contract will end on June 30, 2025, exactly one year longer than the original term. Clark also received a 33% pay raise, resulting in a new base salary of $275,000 per year.

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Modification to Jay's contract. He was extended a year and his salary is bumped up a bit from his co-headcoach salary.

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Any other news with the team?

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Not really, they are training right now for the 2021 season. I haven't been able to attend a practice but the practice right now are shut down to all non essential ppl for obvious reasons. A lot of playing around with routine construction right now so can't begin to speculate on final routines. Alyona's old bar routine thank god is being thrown out for a far more simple routine.

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I’m wondering if/how the team and coaches reacted to the mask and air purification system criticism.

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If they were smart they would ignore it and not entertain the twitter crowd. Its only going to give them a reaction or ammo.

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Also who’s looking promising for playing significant roles.

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Obviously outside of Kiya.... Olivia, Elena and Haleigh will play major roles this season and are expected to contribute some of the bigger 'wow' routines. Haleigh will most likely be in the AA with Kiya. Dunne and Arenas will probably do 2 or 3 events each. Alyona is gonna expand her role a lot more and should be in way better place to contribute on two or three events. Kai is a bit behind schedule this season with surgery this offseason but getting her on vault and floor will be big for us.

The seniors have never been big scorers but they provide a lot of depth across the board but you do have individual events where they do shine. Edwards(vault), Campbell (beam), Durante (bars). Desiderio obviously is a great table setter on beam and provided a solid floor routine. Dean is very solid as always and just gets better every year,

A healthy freshmen and sophomore class will not require LSU having to throw a bunch of routines out there that we don't want to. Best depth we have had in quite some time.

The floor routines are still in progress.

Great update! Thanks

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I kinda hope they don't throw Haleigh into the AA, at least not at first. I think it is a big adjustment having events a few times a year vs every week and it could really strain her body. That is the last thing we want. With all the depth the seniors bring I would prefer to see her in 2-3 events. With beam being the one she sits out. We only lost Kennedi and we pick up Dunne, so I really don't see the need for her there since you could plug in Dean or Alonya. But I will trust the coaches to do what they think is best. Also is Caitlin doing any apparatuses (sp?) right now?

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Haleigh is in great shape physically. I don't think there would be any issues with her doing AA early provided she feels well and is continue to perform at a high level like she is in practice. They could ease her way in starting on 3 events. I guess there is no wrong way to do it but LSU has the depth to provide relief to her in the event she needed it. Kiya didn't that luxury last year and had been dealing with chronic Achille pains since her JO career. I believe Jay is gonna want to put LSU's best foot forward early on and doesn't want LSU trying to dig out of holes early in the year like we have the past couple seasons. At the same time, we have the bodies now to give kids rest and rotate as needed.

Just my 2 cents, Haleigh will be fine. Any type of discomfort can be handled on a as needed basis.

Caitlin is training multiple events. Bars is her best event. Haven't heard too much on her to be honest.

Side note, collegegymnews will be doing gymnastics first ever star rating system. There will be 3, 4, and 5 star recruits. Will post them when they reveal them. That should be interesting

Thanks for the update! Wish we could see more clips. Florida and Oklahoma are looking pretty good so far, no surprise there

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Thanks for the update! Wish we could see more clips. Florida and Oklahoma are looking pretty good so far, no surprise there

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They will probably post clips at some point. Actually some of LSU's gymnasts post small clips of their routines online via Instagram or tik Tok if you want a small taste.

OU will continue to be OU with KJ Kindler still there. Florida recruits too well not to be in contention for a title as always. They literally have like over half the US national team committed to them, its insane. Utah's recruiting has taken off ever since their legendary coach retired.