Staying durable for the long haul has been the theme all season for the Gators.
Last year at the NCAA Championships, UF struggled to make it through the grueling stretch at season’s end, falling short of advancing to the Super Six by only .075. In the semifinals, numerous minor injuries added up as the team tallied four scores of 9.6 or less.
But this postseason, the Gators are feeling fresher than ever.
“They’re in a better situation physically than in years past,” coach Rhonda Faehn said. “That doesn’t mean that they’re all pain-free. They’re managing it really well.”
From the start of 2012, Faehn and the coaching staff have kept a keen eye on their gymnasts’ injuries. UF’s management of its athletes has led to more continuity in the lineups than in previous seasons, especially in its last few meets.
Sophomores Alaina Johnson (elbow, ribs and shins) and Mackenzie Caquatto (ankles) have dealt with nagging injuries. UF rested Johnson from all-around action on four of her first six meets. Caquatto didn’t see uneven bars until Jan. 20 against Kentucky.
But now, the two are peaking.
At the Southeastern Conference Championships and NCAA Regionals, Johnson averaged an all-around score of 39.48, while Caquatto held a 9.875 average on bars.
“They’re extremely tough competitors,” Faehn said. “They’ve dealt with this for many years, and they’ve been a part of championships where you have to compete day after day. At that point when they’re up (at nationals), the adrenaline will take over and will probably minimize any sort of pain they’re feeling.”
When No. 1 seed Florida competes at the evening session of the NCAA Championships semifinal Friday at 6 p.m., it will feature similar event lineups to the rest of the season.
Faehn said senior Nicole Ellis (hip), who vaulted well in practice earlier this week, could see action this weekend on vault.
“You never know,” Faehn said. “In a couple of days, we’ll make the evaluation.”
The Gators will leave for The Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth, Ga., on Wednesday and have their practice session Thursday afternoon. Florida’s semifinal opponents include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Ohio State and Oregon State.
If UF makes it to the Super Six, its endurance would be put to the test Saturday at 4 p.m. Faehn said the team would be prepared for the short gap between competitions if it advanced.
“Really, at that point, it’s more mental,” she said. “If an athlete is strong mentally, a difference between three hours, four hours or five hours recovery should be extremely minimal.
“But of course, our goal is to go out and have a great competition Friday night, to advance, get them out of the arena as quickly as possible, get them rehabbing and get them to bed, so they can prepare for the next meet.”
Florida coach Rhonda Faehn said she has taken a different approach this year with certain gymnasts to ensure that her team is ready for the postseason.
