April 25, 2017
AUBURN, Ala. ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃƒÆ'¢'¬" The Auburn gymnastics program hosted its annual end of the year banquet Sunday, April 23, in Auburn Arena to honor its student-athletes and staff.
In addition to handing out the yearly awards, the team took time to recognize its four seniors ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃƒÆ'¢'¬" Kullen Hlawek, Kelsey Kopec, MJ Rott, Lucia Scaglione.
Sophomore Emma Engler was awarded the team MVP for her solid performances throughout the season. Engler, of Raleigh, N.C., competed on three events for the Tigers after enduring a season-ending injury in 2016. Highlighting the season was her efforts on bars as she finished among the Top 50 nationally with an RQS of 9.875. She had 10 meets with a 9.85 or higher, including four 9.9s. Her 9.9 at SECs secured All-SEC recognition and placed her tied for third overall.
Engler also contributed on beam and vault, competing in all 13 meets on beam with 11 on vault. Her best performance one one of the toughest events was a 9.9 at Florida in late January. Engler also scored a season-best 9.8 on vault four times, including two in the postseason.
Scaglione was honored with "The Rock" award for her consistency and continued improvement on floor. The Tampa, Fla., product hit a career-high 9.875 twice this season and her floor score in all 13 meets counted towards the team total.
The team's Most Improved Award went to redshirt freshman Emma Slappey. The Tiger from Jacksonville, Fla., had a great first season for Auburn, earning All-SEC and SEC All-Freshman team honors. She was a contributing factor on both beam and floor this year, having season-bests of 9.9 on floor and 9.875 on beam.
Taylor Krippner was presented with the Student Athlete of the Year award. The sophomore from Cypress, Texas, ranked in the Top 40 nationally on beam with an RQS of 9.885 and scored a 9.9 or higher in four-straight meets. Her career-high of 9.925 came against LSU. Krippner also set a career-best on bars with a 9.9 at the NCAA Regional meet.
Earning the Sarah Wentworth Award was sophomore Samantha Cerio. The honor is given to the Auburn gymnast who best exemplifies the Auburn Creed. The Huntersville, N.C., product was one of the team's top performers on bars this year and represented Auburn at the NCAA Championships in the event. She captured the NCAA Regional title with a career-high 9.925.
Staff member Shawn Zeplin was presented with the Bob Ritenbaugh Service Award, which is given to the person who goes beyond the gym and university.
Auburn exceled in the postseason, closing out the season with three-straight top team scores. The Tigers finished the year in a tie for third at the NCAA Fayetteville Regional with a 196.600.
With 18 of 24 routines returning, the Tigers already have eyes on 2018. A fun-filled schedule awaits for Auburn and information on season ticket deposits will be coming soon!
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