NORMAN – Fresh off a season opening victory, a pair of Oklahoma gymnasts earned Big 12 weekly honors, the conference announced Monday.
Senior
Maggie Nichols (Gymnast of the Week) and freshman
Ragan Smith (Newcomer of the Week) each received accolades from the league. The honor is the 19
th of Nichols' career and the first for Smith.
The pair were instrumental in leading the Sooners to a 197.350 in their victory at the Collegiate Challenge in Anaheim, Calif. The pair each competed in the all-around, helping OU claim the only score of 197 or better on the weekend.
Nichols was named the Big 12 Gymnast of the Week for the 11
th time in her career after posting the second best all-around score in the nation with a 39.625. Nichols is ranked No. 1 nationally on bars as she posted a 9.975 to take home the event title. The Little Canada, Minn., native added a 9.925 on floor, a 9.875 on vault and a 9.850 on beam. Nichols has now scored a 9.9 or better on bars in her last 25 meets and has tallied at least a 9.9 on two events in each of her 31 career meets.
Smith earned her first career Big 12 weekly honor as she shined in her collegiate debut. The Lewisville, Texas, native is currently ranked No. 2 in the country on bars as she posted a 9.95. Smith added a 9.9 on beam to lead the Sooners and finished third on the team with a 39.275 in the all-around.
The Sooners will travel to Arizona State Saturday. The meet is slated for a 5:30 p.m. start on ESPNU.