A Fresh Start for Oklahoma Men’s Gymnastics
In Colorado Springs, Oklahoma’s freshman Nathan Roman shone bright in his NCAA gymnastics debut, clinching the parallel bars title with a score of 14.500. The Sooners kicked off their 2026 season on a high note, finishing first in the Rocky Mountain Open with a team total of 323.950.
They outperformed key competitors like Stanford, which scored 320.750, and Nebraska, with a total of 315.500. The event, also a qualifying meet for the Winter Cup, featured six teams, including the club teams from Arizona State and Rocky Mountain Mavericks.
Oklahoma excelled in multiple events, securing top scores in pommel horse (55.200) and horizontal bar (53.150). Coach Mark Williams expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance. “We started really well,” he said. “The freshmen handled the pressure like veterans.” Roman and fellow freshman Sasha Bogonosiuk stood out, both showcasing remarkable skills.
According to the NCAA, freshman athletes often bring newfound energy to their teams. The pressure of performance can be daunting, yet Roman and Bogonosiuk proved adept at handling it, with Bogonosiuk achieving an all-around score of 79.650, just shy of Stanford’s David Shamah.
As the Sooners look ahead to their next meet in Michigan, there’s optimism for what’s to come. With a good mix of seasoned athletes and promising newcomers, they seem poised for a successful season.
The rise of gymnastics in college sports has gained attention in recent years, with increasing participation rates among students. A 2022 NCAA report noted that women’s gymnastics saw a 15% increase in participation over the last five years, reflecting the growing popularity of the sport.
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