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March 20, 2007

The senior spotlight is on ... Lindsey Bruck!

As one of the most consistent all-around gymnasts in the history of the Michigan Women's Gymnastics program, Lindsey Bruck has led by example both on and off the competition floor. During her sophomore and junior seasons, Lindsey scored a 39.0 or higher in the all-around in 24 of 28 appearances. Her poise and clean lines on all four events have earned her numerous accolades over the past three years, including two NCAA All-America citations and two Big Ten Championship titles. Off the floor, Lindsey is an education major and is an NACGC/W Academic All-American (2006) and a two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree (2005, 2006).

This year Lindsey was poised to emerge as one of the top all-around gymnasts in the nation. However in her first meet of the 2007 season, she ruptured her achilles tendon on the floor exercise, after winning the bars title (9.900) and taking second on beam (9.875). While she is unable to compete, Lindsey has been a vocal captain in practice and during meets and is often seen giving teammates feedback before and after their routines.

In anticipation of Senior Night and the upcoming postseason, we wanted to give you, the fans, an opportunity to reflect on each of the members of the Wolverine Class of 2007. Here is a look back at Lindsey's accomplishments over the past three years.

Taking a Look Back: 2004-2006

During her freshman year at Michigan, Lindsey earned a spot in the bars, beam, and floor lineups and averaged over a 9.8 on beam and floor over the course of the season. She also competed when needed on vault. In her first collegiate meet, Lindsey tied for second on beam with a 9.925, quickly establishing herself as one to watch on that event. Over the course of the season, she earned two beam titles and one floor title. Her best regular season meet was at home vs. Michigan State, where Lindsey posted a 9.8 on bars, 9.9 on beam, and 9.875 on floor en route to a career high all-around total of 39.250.

At the 2004 Big Ten Championships, she tied for second on beam and fourth on bars to earn Second Team All-Big Ten honors. At the 2004 NCAA National Championships, Lindsey tied for fourth on beam during the NCAA Team Preliminaries to earn NCAA First Team All-America honors. During the NCAA Individual Event Finals, Lindsey posted a 9.850 for sixth place. In recognition of her contribution to the team that season, Lindsey was awarded the Coaches' Award at the annual post-season banquet.

In her sophomore season, Lindsey's consistency earned her a spot in the all-around. Over the course of the season, she posted a 39.0 or higher in 13 out of 15 meets - a record for a sophomore. She also won seven event titles (four on beam, two on floor, and one on bars) and two all-around titles. Her best regular season meet was at home versus Iowa, where she earned a 9.9 on bars, beam and floor en route to a career high 39.550 in the all-around. At the 2005 Big Ten Championships, Lindsey placed second on beam and in the all-around and fourth on bars and floor to earn First Team All-Big Ten honors. At the 2005 NCAA South Central Regional, Lindsey tied for fourth on vault and in the all-around to lead the Wolverines to a team title. At the 2005 NCAA Championships, Lindsey tied for eighth place on bars in team preliminaries to earn NCAA Second Team All-America honors on that event. In recognition of her contribution to the team that season, Lindsey was awarded the team's Most Improved Gymnast award and Most Valuable Player award (with Elise and Jenny) at the annual post-season banquet.

Lindsey's junior year built upon her sophomore year's successes. She earned six event titles (three on beam, one on vault, one on bars, and one on floor) and four all-around titles during the regular season. Her best meet of the regular season was at home vs. New Hampshire, where Lindsey posted 9.9's on bars, beam and floor en route to a 39.425 all-around total. At the 2006 Big Ten Championships, Lindsey earned her first two Big Ten Championships on beam (9.9) and in the all-around (39.275) and First Team All-Big Ten honors for a second straight year. At the 2006 Northeast Regional, Lindsey tied for second on beam and placed second in the all-around to lead the Wolverines to a team title. She also was recognized as the NCAA Northeast Gymnast of the Year! At the 2006 NCAA National Championships, Lindsey posted a 39.025 in the all-around in the NCAA Team Preliminaries. Overall during the 2006 season, Lindsey posted a 39.0 or higher in 11 of 13 meets for a share of third place among juniors (with Jenny and Elise). In recognition of her contribution to the team that season, Lindsey earned her second Most Valuable Player award (with Jenny and Tatjana).

A Senior's Reflections:

Recently, we've asked Lindsey to share with you some of her fondest and funniest memories during her tenure at U-M.

What is one of your funniest memories from your collegiate career?

It is really hard to choose just one funny moment. When you get all of the team together, we always end up having a good time and laughing a lot. The first time we start doing board mounts after being away from them, always brings on laughs. You see everyone flying through the air in different directions. Also, Scott likes to give us challenge warm-ups on bars. I remember the one day when team members that didn’t make the challenge warm-ups were required to walk around the gym doing the chicken walk, complete with sound effects. It was a very funny sight.

What is your fondest memory of your collegiate career?

The reverse statement is easy to answer. My least favorite memory would be when I tore my Achilles tendon. Some of my fondest memories would be from this year with this team. We have been through so much and the team never gives up. I couldn’t have been prouder to be part of a team as I was this year. Personally, it has been extremely hard to sit out the whole season, but to watch this team fight with everything they have makes me realize what it means to be part of the Michigan Gymnastics team.

What would you say is your greatest accomplishment in your collegiate career?

I have had an amazing collegiate career and have been blessed with many accomplishments including becoming an All American, winning the all around and beam titles at Big Tens, and being named the Northeast Gymnast of the Year. I am hoping that my greatest accomplishment is yet to come. That would be coming back from my injury stronger and better than ever and getting the opportunity to compete for Michigan one more year.

What do you take away from your experience with UM Gymnastics?

There isn’t enough room on this website to mention all the wonderful experiences I have had throughout the years at Michigan. I could not have asked for a better college experience. I have had the support of wonderful coaches and I have established life-long friendships with my teammates and classmates. The fans at Michigan are the best. It is an amazing experience to walk into Crisler Arena with all the fans cheering for us. My sincere thanks to all the fans for your support, dedication and friendship over the last four years.

What are your plans after the 2007 postseason?

Since my major, education, requires five years to complete, I will be back to finish up my degree. I am happy that I chose a five-year program because I’m not ready to graduate and leave this amazing school. I will spend the summer rehabbing and training and hopefully will be back in the gym next year.

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