University of Minnesota Athletics

2011 Preview: Pommel Horse

11/30/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Gymnastics

The pommel horse will be an interesting event to keep track of all season long for the University of Minnesota men's gymnastics team.

The Gophers lost some key contributors on the pommel horse, but still have some of their best competitors returning this season as well as a promising outlook from several freshmen.

The top returning athlete for the Gophers on the pommel horse this season will be sophomore Harris Coleman, who last season scored a team team-high 15.200 against Penn State. He just missed making the NCAA finals last season on the horse.

"Harris Coleman is obviously our top returner, he's really developed well over the summer and is really looking awesome," Minnesota head coach Mike Burns said.

Fifth-year senior Michael Hillin has a lot of experience in the event, and despite being limited in the off-season with injures, the Gophers are still hoping to have a strong season from him on the pommel horse as well. Junior Ross Cameratta has also been progressing well on the horse and expectations are high for him to provide veteran leadership this season as well.

The Gophers lost a lot of their talent on the pommel horse event from a season ago to graduation. Last season's seniors include Andre Berry, Aaron Fortunato, Colin McGuire and Thomas O'Brien, each of whom was a heavy contributor on the event.

Minnesota hopes to counter the loss of those seniors with a strong showing from several newcomers. Freshmen John Scallon is expected be another top competitor for Minnesota on the pommel horse, while fellow freshman Steffen Beck and Adam Kern are also hoped to have strong seasons in the event.

"Scallon will be a guy to look for, he's a lanky kid and is lot of fun to watch, and Ross Cameratta has been having a great fall season on the pommel horse as well," Burns said.

-UM-

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