University of Minnesota Athletics
Gymnasts Win Homecoming Parade Award
10/28/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Gymnastics
The Minnesota Men's Gymnastics team has won an award from the University Homecoming committee. The Golden Gopher men's gymnastics entry in the Homecoming Parade has been named the winner of the 2009 General Parade Performance Competition.
According to an email from the Homecoming Committee, the judges were impressed by the talented gymnastic jumps and flips the team performed as well as the Gopher pride and spirit they demonstrated throughout the parade.
"From entertaining entries in the staging areas to incorporating the Minnesota Rouser into your entry, your team was energetic and engaging," the email stated. "Your entry put on a great show."
Minnesota head coach Mike Burns said the Gopher gymnasts have been part of the Homecoming Parade for many years and he looks forward to his team being a part of the event for many years to come.
"We do a mini-tramp exhibition at various points along the parade route on University Avenue," Burns said. "It's amazing how excited the parade-watchers get when our team stops the truck, pulls out the mini-tramp and proceeds to do high-flying flips and dive rolls onto the flat-bed trailer that is being pulled behind a pickup truck."
Burns said Dan Kuch, who plays the National Anthem on his trumpet prior to home gymnastics meets, deserves credit for playing the Minnesota Rouser at the team's stops along the parade route.
"Dan Kuch drives the truck and at every stop he plays the Rouser on his trumpet and gets the crowd really pumped up," Burns said. "I have to admit it's a real treat for all who attend the parade."
By virtue of winning this award, the men's gymnastics team will also have a guaranteed spot in the 2010 Homecoming Parade.
-UM-
