April 12, 2017
AUBURN, Ala. -- Auburn gymnasts Samantha Cerio and Katie Becker will compete as individuals at the 2017 NCAA Gymnastics Championship happening Friday, April 14, at the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis.
"I hope that these two get a positive experience this weekend, but also bring back a fire to the team to bring into the next season," head coach Jeff Graba said. "Having two underclassmen represent Auburn shows the future is really bright here and we have very talented youth that are going to continue to provide for the program."
Cerio, a sophomore from Huntersville, N.C., qualified for the national meet after recording a career-best 9.925 on the uneven bars at the NCAA Fayetteville Regional. That score had her finish in a tie for first in the event, giving her the second victory on the apparatus this year.
"I'm looking forward to seeing a different side of nationals as an individual," Cerio said. "I hope my experience this weekend will benefit the team so that it can push us even harder next year."
Becker will compete in the all-around after finishing with a career-best 39.200 in Fayetteville. The freshman from Boone, N.C., stepped up midway through the season and competed in all four events five times. She picked up the all-around title in the team's win over Pittsburgh to close out the regular season.
"This is a great opportunity and I'm really excited to experience my first nationals," Becker said. "I wish the team could be with us this weekend, but I'm anxious to see what awaits for me. Competing in the all-around is tough, but a lot of fun and I'm excited to see my hard work pay off."
Both Cerio and Becker will compete in the afternoon session beginning at 12 p.m. CT in Chaifetz Arena. Cerio is set to compete with Utah and will do her bar set in the third rotation of the day. Becker will rotate with Oklahoma and her day will start on a bye before floor.
Live video and live stats for Friday's meet will be available through NCAA.com. In addition, live stream of the day will also be available on WatchESPN/ESPN3.
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