Curtis, Beilstein Garner Big Ten Weekly Awards
3/15/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
March 15, 2010
PARK RIDGE, Ill. -- Senior Sarah Curtis (Reno, Nev./Reno) and freshman Natalie Beilstein (Butler, Pa./Knoch) of the University of Michigan women's gymnastics team swept the Big Ten's weekly awards with Curtis earning the sixth Big Ten Women's Gymnast of the Week honor of her career and Beilstein capturing her sixth Big Ten Freshman of the Week laurel this season. This is the second time that Wolverines have swept the weekly awards in the last three weeks.
Curtis was instrumental in Michigan's upset win over five-time defending national champion Georgia last Friday (March 12), winning the all-around title (39.375) and finishing in the top three on vault (9.875), uneven bars (9.850) and balance beam (9.800). The all-around title is her third of the season and the 10th of her career.
Beilstein raised the bar even higher in her debut season, notching a career-best 9.950 on vault to capture her fifth title in 10 meets. She also added a 9.850 on the floor exercise to finish second to junior teammate Kylee Botterman (New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln-Way Central).
Curtis has been one of the steadiest all-arounders in the Big Ten this season, posting seven scores of 39.200 or better to rank third in the conference. Beilstein has been one of the most successful Big Ten freshmen this season, winning eight titles, six weekly honors and setting some of Michigan's best vault and floor scores.
The Wolverines end the regular season with a trip to Tuscaloosa, Ala., to face the top-ranked Crimson Tide on Friday (March 19) at 7:30 p.m. CDT. The Wolverines will then compete at the Big Ten Championships on Saturday (March 27) at 2 p.m. in Columbus, Ohio.
Contact: Richard Retyi (734) 763-4423
