Tico: The Same, But Different (Part 1)
3/2/2017 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
University of Michigan women's gymnastics seniors Nicole Artz and Talia Chiarelli have written about what the last four years with one another have meant to them. Over the next two days we will share their reflections on some of the many fond memories that stick out through their time together as "Tico," the combination of Talia and Nicole. First, Artz writes about Chiarelli.
By Nicole Artz
Chapter 1: Do It Like a Freshman
It was a warm sunny day in the beginning of September 2013 when Tal and I began our journey in Ann Arbor, which led to many discoveries at the University of Michigan. I can remember our first home meet as freshmen we had to wear a blue velvet leotard, and we both thought we were going to die. Upon reflection, it wasn't as bad as it seemed and turned out to be a true hit! Year one can be summed up with Pizza House, "Timber" by Kesha, and cookies and cereal for dinner.
Chapter 2: The Year of the Avocado
In our sophomore year, we moved into the cutest little house on Dewey and became a little too obsessed with tanning, getting our nails done, and eating at Panera. This was also the year that Tal ended her bars career by slicing her finger while cutting an avocado. In the midst of the tragic incident, we wrapped her finger with paper towels, she finished her salad for dinner, and I finished doing my hair before we rushed to the ER to get her finger stitched. Sophomore year was full of new insights and a lot of growth from the both of us.
Chapter 3: We Flip For Chip
Year three was an interesting one. We hit a few bumps in the road, but each one taught us a new lesson that we held close as we moved into our senior year. Important things to remember from this year were SQ of course, exhilarating cattle runs in Fort Worth, black eyes, stubbed toes, needing permission from our coach to order a cookie skillet, and honoring the life of one of the most important men in our lives, Chip Hills.
Chapter 4: The End
In all seriousness, I wouldn't want anyone else to be my senior classmate but Tal. We have had quite the ride and I cannot believe we are reaching the end. There is no way I would have gotten through these past four years without her, and I can safely say I have made a best friend for life. Tal is one of the funniest, most genuine and authentic people I know, and I can't believe I am lucky enough to know her. We are leaving Michigan with three Big Ten championships (working toward a fourth), lots of academic and athletic accolades, and a whole load of memories that we will remember forever. Going into senior night and postseason, we are just trying to cherish every moment and enjoy the ride.
Tally, thank you for always making me laugh, for venting with me at the kitchen table for hours on end, for constantly supporting me in and out of the gym, for countless frozen yogurt dates, for sharing a burning passion for working out and walking everywhere, for eating so many snacks with me, and for always sharing everything! We will forever be the same, but different. I love you Chi Chi!
Check back tomorrow (Friday, March 3) when we will share Chiarelli's story about Artz.
Players Mentioned
