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March 21, 2008

The senior spotlight is on ... Megan Moore!

Unlike her year mates, Megan Moore did not see competitive action during her first three years as a Michigan Wolverine. However, her hard work in the gym over the past three years is paying off this season, as Megan has competed on the balance beam in seven of the past ten meets. She has also seen competitive action in the bars lineup on one occassion. Her best meet this season came at the 2008 State of Michigan Classic at Eastern Michigan. Megan earned her first event title on beam with a career high 9.850 and was a runner-up on bars with a career high 9.825.

Out of the gym, Megan is an mechanical engineering major in the College of Engineering. 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 2008. Here is a look back at Megan's accomplishments over the past three years.

Taking a Look Back: 2005-2008

Megan did not see competitive action in her freshman, sophomore, or junior years.

In her senior year, Megan has made the beam lineup in 7 of 10 meets, earning one event title and two 5th place finishes. While Megan's strength is the balance beam, many fans would consider her success on bars this season to be a special treat. This year she perfected a double layout dismount - which earned her a spot in the lineup during the State of Michigan Classic. In her only appearance to date in the bars lineup, she placed second with a career high 9.825!

In the classroom, Megan has earned numerous accolades for her academic accomplishments. She is a two-time NACGC/W Academic All-American (2006, 2007) and two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree. She is also a three-time U-M Athletic Academic Achievement Award winner (2005, 2006, 2007).

A Senior's Reflections:

Recently, we asked Megan 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?

One of my favorite memories from this year was when we had a ‘panel mat race’ during our team bonding night back in November. Basically we split up into two teams and each team had to stand on a panel mat and race across the floor without anyone stepping off the mat. This sounds funny to begin with, but things really got interesting when we realized that the fastest way to get across the floor was to lift one end of the mat over our heads and roll our way across the floor. People were somersaulting all over the place and people were crashing into each other; I’m sure few people left with a bruise or two. But it was hysterical, I couldn’t stop laughing!  

What is your fondest memory of your collegiate career?

Big Tens last year was amazing… we overcame so many obstacles that year and had worked so hard. We really pulled together for that meet and the moment that they announced us as champions was just the best feeling :)

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

Since coming to college, I’ve been able to do a lot of things that I never thought I could because of all the amazing support from my teammates and coaches. I’d have to say that getting a double-layout dismount on bars might be one of the most surprising things that I have accomplished since coming here… if you remember how bad my old bar dismount was then you probably know what I mean. But in general I can’t pick one greatest accomplishment, I’m just very proud to have been part of such an amazing team.

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

Lots of lifelong friends, a million great memories, and all of the lessons I’ve learned along the way.  

What advice would you give a young gymnast interested in NCAA gymnastics?

Keep working hard and never give up on your dreams.  Mostly just have fun and enjoy the journey!

What are your plans after the 2008 postseason?

I plan on getting my masters degree in mechanical engineering here at U of M.

Megan's message to her family, friends, teammates, and fans:

I’d like to say a quick thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout my long career as a gymnast. I owe so much to all of my teammates, coaches, friends, and most of all my family. I couldn’t have done it without all of your encouragement and belief. THANK YOU!

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