The SEC gymnastics has been going strong almost a month into the season as teams have hopped cities to dethrone each other on the ladder to championships. LSU Tigers have seen the ascent to 3, then fall down to no.8 before regaining their current 5th place. The steady progress of the team to linger at the top attributes to none but the many talents in the roster, added on by the rising names.

The LSU gymnastics has so far clinched 4 wins out of their 6 meets. While the presence of seniors Haleigh Bryant and Kiya Johnson has continued to play a crucial role, the Tigers have also witnessed the contribution of new talent. These fresh faces such as Amari Drayton and Konnor McClain, gave LSU the reasons to celebrate.

LSU Gymnastics cheers on the rising names

The LSU gymnastics team currently leads the floor event standing at no.1 and much thanks to the freshman stars, Amari Drayton and Konnor McClain. During their last meet against the Missouri Tigers, Drayton posted 9.875 while McClain took home 9.875. The performances, backed by Sierra Ballard and Kiya Johnson, helped the team dominate the floor despite an overall loss. “Taking over the floor & it’s just year one,” LSU Gymnastics wrote on Instagram acknowledging the contributions.

LSU currently stands 5th on the table, recording a season-high of 198.125 against Kentucky on January 19th. “We needed that. It’s good to know that we have options,” Jay Clark had said following the meet. While star seniors once again took to the lead, Drayton and McClain followed in seconds, with 9.875 on vaults and bars, respectively. However, that wasn’t all the duo had to lend this season.

The promising names

Amari Drayton’s introduction for the season was spectacular and one enough to grab a 7-time Olympic medalist, Simone Biles’ cheer. “That’s our girl, so proud of you amari,” Biles wrote as the freshman stepped up last minute to post a 9.925 – helping LSU beat Ohio State. The youngster practices alongside the legend at the World Champions Centre and has walked to participate in the U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Fort Worth.

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As for Konnor McClain, the 2022 U.S. National Champion has returned to the scenes in hopes of making it to the Olympics. “My number one goal is still the Olympics,” she told Olympics.com, and has been persistently working towards it. In the last meet, the youngster recorded her second perfect on beams following her success on the bars against Utah. Furthermore, to end the month well, McClain received the honor of being named January Student-Athlete of the Month. Through a gripping introduction or an unexpected comeback, the LSU gymnastics team has found itself a promising path ahead.

Watch this story: “Beat You”: Gymnastics’ Emerging Sensation Challenges Simone Biles for the Lead.