AUBURN, Ala. – The Auburn gymnastics team held a virtual end of the year banquet and celebrated another solid season for the program.
The Tigers finished the shortened 2020 season at No. 17 in the national rankings with a 196.490 NQS. The squad reached a season-best 196.7 on two occasions and kicked off their home schedule with a 196.625 victory over Alabama in Auburn Arena (Jan. 10).
Auburn enjoyed being at home this season as the team set the program attendance record. The Tigers saw an average of 6,364 fans inside Auburn Arena over five meets competed. That included a sellout (7,424) vs. the Crimson Tide.
The team added another record to its list this season as the Tigers reached their highest total of season ticket holders as well.
Two Tigers were awarded the team's MVP honor in junior Drew Watson and sophomore Derrian Gobourne. The pair earned All-America honors at the conclusion of the year as well as All-SEC recognition.
Watson was a first team All-American and All-SEC performer on vault, finishing with a 9.92 NQS in the event. She scored 9.9 or higher seven times, including a 9.975 at Arkansas (Feb. 21).
Gobourne was second team All-American and All-SEC performance on bars after concluding the year with a 9.905 NQS. She reached a career-best 9.925 in the event three times, including in the team's win over Alabama.
Freshman Aria Brusch had a fantastic first season for the Tigers, competing in three events for the squad. She scored a 9.8 or better in nine of 10 meets competed on bars, while adding eight meets of 9.8 or higher on floor. In addition, she went 9.8 or better six times on beam.
For her efforts this season, Brusch was given "The Rock" award, which is presented to the gymnast who demonstrates consistency and excels in competitions. The Cincinnati product went 29-for-30 over three events, seeing career highs of 9.9 on bars and floor and a 9.875 on beam.
Winning the Most Improved Award was freshman Adeline Sabados. The Castle Rock, Colo., native earned a spot on the bars lineup in all 10 meets. She reached a career-best 9.85 on the road at Georgia (Feb. 2) and closed out the season with back-to-back 9.825s. In addition, Sabados was making big strides on beam and floor as she secured exhibition spots in both events vs. TWU (Feb. 28).
Senior Gracie Day was awarded the team's Sarah Wentworth Award, which is given to the gymnast who best exemplifies the Auburn Creed. The San Antonio product has represented Auburn on vault and bars consistently throughout her career and has been a contributor on floor. This season, Day tied her career best on vault with three 9.925s and added a 9.9 on both floor and bars. She was named the SEC Specialist of the Week following an outstanding performance vs. Florida (Feb. 14).
Earning Student-Athlete of the Year was freshman Cassie Stevens, who exceled at balancing the life of a full-time student and a full-time athlete. Stevens is a computer science major that also competed in the all-around nine times this season. She earned SEC All-Freshman recognition for her efforts on vault.
Junior Meredith Sylvia was named the Most Valuable Teammate, showing an unwavering team spirit and selfless attitude. She earned a spot on the beam lineup in all meets and had three 9.9s on the season.
The Bob Ritenbaugh Award was given to senior Emma Slappey. The honor is presented to the individual that goes out of their way to help the team in all ways possible. Slappey has been a rock-solid competitor during her time on the Plains, providing consistent numbers on both beam and floor.