University of Minnesota Athletics
Shashank's Redemption: Journey to Most Improved
5/3/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Gymnastics
University of Minnesota men's gymnastics sophomore Shashank Yallamraju has his sights set high for next season after the Gophers' best team finish in nine years.
The goal since day one of practice in the summer was to make it to the second day of the NCAA Championships - a dream that was dashed last season by two tenths of a point.
Though the Apple Valley, Minn., native didn't compete in the lineup at the Championships, seeing the team's goal stopped by such a small margin motivated him to strive for greatness.
This season, the Maroon and Gold realized their goal and advanced to the second day of the NCAAs and finished sixth overall.
Not only did Yallamraju compete on Still Rings on both days, but he was voted the team's Most Improved Competitor for his efforts.
"The biggest difference this year and freshman year was having a year of experience," said Yallamraju. "I feel like I was better prepared and I had a better understanding of what I needed to do to help our team."
"During Shashank's freshman season, he had a lot of developmental aspects of his gymnastics he was working on improving," said head coach Mike Burns. "He made some very good progress, but to improve your basics, learn more difficult skills and compete at a high level while adjusting to the academic load that college brings - that's a lot for a young kid to handle."
The son of Subbarao and Sudha Yallamraju, Shashank trained under Tony Abetz at TAGS South in Apple Valley, Minn., where he led a decorated junior campaign.
In 2014, he finished as the All-Around, Floor, Still Rings, Parallel Bars and High Bar Champion at the USA Gymnastics Minnesota State Championships. The three-time Junior Olympic national championship participant placed 21st in the All-Around at the 2014 meet.
Being a Minnesota native, Yallamraju dreamed of donning the Maroon and Gold.
"I watched the Gophers compete in hopes of one day being able to do the same," he said. "Having the opportunity to represent an amazing university by doing the sport I love is incredible. Being able to put on that block M and raise my hand means everything to me."
After competing in four regular-season meets last year, Yallamraju focused on the Still Rings for his sophomore campaign.
"In the summer, the coaches put me on a rigorous Rings strength regimen," he explained. "After I overcame the constant soreness and persistent aching, I've come to really enjoy showing off my strength."
"Shank was always naturally strong, but his strength development on the Rings took an exponential leap over the summer," said Burns. "He learned a Maltese, improved his straight body planche and his handstand continued to show drastic improvement. All of these improvements over the summer were the reason he was able to earn a spot in the lineup on a regular-basis."
This season, he made his mark in eight regular-season meets as well as competing in the championship meets.
"I feel like this season was the one where he not only developed his physical skills, but more importantly, he developed his mental skills as well," said Burns. "So much of our sport is about the ability to handle high pressure situations with confidence and the knowledge that you are extremely capable. There is no room for doubt, only confidence. Shank will need to continue to develop that aspect of his competitive nature and move higher up in the lineup based on his confidence and belief in his ability and preparation.
"I can see his burning desire to continually improve and that translates into always taking that extra turn or always looking for a way to get better. I know he has a serious disdain for mediocrity and he has steadily made the improvements needed to take his gymnastics to the next level."
With two years under his belt and two more to go at the University of Minnesota, Yallamraju is determined to reach individual greatness and help lead the Maroon and Gold to that next level.
"The thing I'm most looking forward to to next year is to see our team compete," he said. "This year we showed tremendous potential and achieved many of our goals, but next year, I know we are on the verge of doing big things. I want to help set a high standard that Minnesota will be known for henceforth."
Players Mentioned
