SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – The Syracuse Club Gymnastics team has plenty of meets, but none are as big as its next one. Members of the squad are heading the the NAIGC Nationals competition from April 10-13. There, they will compete against students from across the country in the biggest events.
Syracuse, which in total has 42 girls, is sending 16 gymnasts to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to participate in Nationals. The competition rotates locations every year. The 2023 rendition was in Memphis, Tennessee. This is the first year that Nationals makes its way to New Mexico.
All four grades are represented on the SU squad. Some gymnasts have previous experience with the tough competition. Maddy Rydel, a Syracuse senior, made her NAIGC debut in 2023 in Memphis. That opportunity has done a lot for her when preparing for another big event in 2024.
“Last year, it was different than what I was used to,” Rydel said. “But knowing what I am getting myself into now and the schedule of events, the workouts before. I am definitely having less anxiety.”
Rydel will participate in routines for bar and beam in Albuquerque. She’s been a member of the team for most of her time at SU, and is a current leader for the squad. That can’t be said for every person on Syracuse, though. There are plenty of underclassmen who will be travelling in college for the first time in mid-April. One of those girls, sophomore Claire Patin, is used to big events from high school. For her, it’s about setting expectations and not making the moment too bright.
“I’m trying to not put too much pressure on it being nationals,” Patin said. “It’s just another meet, just four more routines. That’s all.”
Patin will participate in multiple events during her time in New Mexico. The schedule includes two days of preliminary competition and one session of finals.
“Hopefully this is my first of three nationals,” Patin said. “Hopefully that will happen, but right now I am just thinking about it for what it is, as Nationals.”
Individual events can be tough, especially when the gymnast is on a platform alone. But when their team is cheering and making their life easier, a weight can be lifted off their shoulders.
“The team is what gets you through every event,” Syracuse freshman Emily Magiera said. “Before and after each event, the little pep talks. They make you want to keep going. You need them to finish a routine. Hearing them cheer in the middle of your events. It’s individual but it’s not at all.”
That also makes the overall experience more enjoyable. It’s a serious competition, but one that also comes with plenty of memories and good times.
“I am definitely not trying to stress myself out about it,” Rydel said. It’s supposed to be fun.”
