University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Freshman Spotlight: Mike Moran
12/27/2018 3:35:00 PM | Men's Gymnastics
Mike Moran is the next rookie to be featured in our Freshman Spotlight series. He is a native of Morristown, N.J. He graduated from Morristown High School and competed for U.S. Gymnastics Development Center. He was a 2016 state all-around champion and a 2016 national qualifier. He was also an academic All-American.
Previous Freshman Spotlights: Garrett Kasiski | Jake Sawyer | Ben Eyles | Matt Sullivan | David Pochinka | Tyler DavisGopher Sports: How has your time on campus and the team been so far?
Mike Moran: So far my time on campus has been nice. I love the weather, and I really like the team. Practices at Cooke are the main reason I wake up everyday.
GS: What are you most looking forward to in your first school year and season?
MM: I'm looking forward to being able to compete for something bigger than myself. Gymnastics has always been independent for me and I can't wait to step out on the floor with 19 other teammates by my side.
GS: Why did you choose the University of Minnesota?
MM: I chose Minnesota because it just felt right. There was something about the team, coaching staff, and even the school itself that I could really picture myself being apart of.
GS: How did you get into gymnastics?
MM: My older sister did it recreationally as a kid so my mom put me in classes to make me work off some energy while my sister would practice.
GS: What is your favorite gymnastics memory?
MM: I don't think I have a specific memory that I would consider my favorite. In general, this sport is really incredible because when you put so much time and work in the gym and a routine goes well at the meet you get a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment that is unlike any other.
GS: What are your hobbies outside of gymnastics?
MM: I really like music and I am a fan of most other sports so I am easily occupied outside of the gym.
GS: What is one thing Gopher fans should know about you?
MM: My gymnastics is like a puppy… fun to watch, still has some training to do, but I will always chase after sticks.