The Ohio State men’s gymnastics program is one of the most prestigious programs in the country and each year produces a team displaying qualities of tradition and excellence.
This year the team is led by four seniors, who exhibit these qualities and set an example for the team.
Last season, there were no seniors on the OSU men’s gymnastics team; however, this season, seniors Kristopher Kline, Nicholaus Searcy, Willie Ito and Grant Osborne hope to fill that void and provide guidance to the team.
“One of the holes in last year’s program was that there were no core guys to set an example,” said Kline, who competes in all events. “This season the gap will be filled.”
It means a great deal to the seniors to be in a leadership position where they have the ultimate respect of their teammates.
“It’s exciting to be part of a great program like Ohio State,” said Ito, who competes in the pommel horse, parallel bars, and high bar. “Being a leader means a lot, including being a good role model and a lot of responsibility.”
Searcy, who competes in the vault, parallel bars and high bar, said he is given an extra sense of confidence as teammates look to him for leadership.
Senior leadership helps remind the team of its goals and traditions, and Kline said it also teaches teammates to remain respectful and keep their integrity.
The seniors realize that they are in an exceptional position and are quite humbled by the experience.
“When I walk in here and look at the walls of all the former gymnasts, it reminds me of the history and tradition I am now part of,” Kline said.
Searcy said it means a lot to be mentioned with all the big names who have done so much for the program in the past.
Although only two of the seniors, Kline and Searcy, were elected captains of the squad, all four seniors are viewed as tremendous leaders of the team.
“This is their team and they have taken that to heart,” coach Miles Avery said. “Their leadership is unparalleled, which is a testament to their training and preparation.”
“We have four great seniors whose leadership inside and outside of the gym is outstanding,” said Jake Bateman, a sophomore who competes in all events. “That means a lot in a meet because they have been around the block and know what to expect.”
The team’s unity means a great deal to the leaders and will be a major key to the team’s success.
“Right now the team is my whole life and priority,” Kline said. “The camaraderie around the team is very strong and everyone needs to help each other to achieve our goals.”
Ito, whose family lives in California, said that the team is his family away from home, and all his closest friends are members of the team.
While many teams have two or three key performers, each individual on the OSU men’s gymnastics team has the capability to be great.
As proof of the talent on this team, eight members – including all four seniors – are traveling to the Winter Cup in Las Vegas on Feb. 7.
“The program usually sends about three guys to the Cup but this year we are sending more than any school in the country,” Kline said.
“Having this many people go to the Winter Cup is unheard of,” Avery said. “It helps the underclassmen think they’re supposed to be there and train the way the seniors do.”
In 2006, the OSU men’s gymnastics team did not reach its full potential. This season, however, the seniors are expecting more from the team.
“The goal is to win the Big Ten Championship for the third consecutive year and win the NCAA Championship,” Searcy said.
“Nothing more, nothing less,” Kline said. “Anything less is just failure.”
Zach Faulds can be reached at [email protected].
