University of Minnesota Athletics

Form closed on Sunday, Nov 26, 6:00 AM

Science of Gymnastics



Submit Your Science Of Gymnastics Entry Now! (applications can be made at the bottom of this page) 

As Minnesota prepares to host the 2021 Big Ten Women’s Gymnastics Championships (March 19th-21st), kids across the Midwest can channel their excitement into “The Science of Gymnastics,” which is a fun and unique educational opportunity designed to showcase the basics of science involved in the sport of gymnastics.

To participate, students (kindergarten through eighth grade) are invited to submit a 90 to 120 second video explaining one aspect of “The Science of Gymnastics.” Videos should demonstrate an understanding of a scientific aspect and relate it to the sport of gymnastics. For example, a video may explain the force exerted on a springboard for the vault or a video may demonstrate stretches to maintain flexibility. Submissions can be from individuals, classes, or organizational groups (gymnastics clubs, science clubs, scout organizations, etc.).
 
How to Enter: All video entries must be public, closed-captioned, and posted on YouTube.  Links to those videos should then be submitted via the competition portal below by March 7, 2021. 
 
Criterion: Videos will be evaluated based on scientific research, creativity and communication.
 
Winner Selection: Entries will be organized into three age groups: 1) kindergarten through second grade, 2) third through fifth grade and 3) sixth through eighth grade and by individual or group for a total of six categories. A panel of judges will determine the one finalist selected from each category for six video finalists. From the group of finalists, the top two video entries overall will be named the winners.
 
Prizes for Finalists:

  • Finalists will receive complimentary passes to the Science Museum of Minnesota. Finalists in the individual category will receive four passes per participant. Finalists in the group category will receive one pass per participant.
  • Finalists will also receive Golden Gopher Gear and M Health Fairview Packs

Prizes for Winners:

  • In addition to the prizes awarded to the finalists, the top two winning videos will be posted on the Gopher Sports social media accounts
  • Each winning video will also receive Sports Minneapolis Prize Packs valued at $100

For any questions, contact Sarissa Falk (falkx173@umn.edu).
Science of Gymnastics Judges
Lindsay Mable

I'm Lindsay (Mable) Carper! I graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2016 after competing on the Women's gymnastics team from 2013-2016. In my time at Minnesota, the team qualified for Nationals twice, in my freshman year and senior year, and we celebrated many accomplishments in between. After I graduated, I was the student coach for the team during the 2016-2017 season while I completed my Master's degree. I now live in North Carolina where I teach 6th grade Math and Science. I am so excited to see how you all connect science to gymnastics! Good luck!
Rachel Rowland

Rachel Rowland came to the Twin Cities in 2014 from Parker, Colorado to become a Golden Gopher. She was a part of the Gopher Women’s Gymnastics team for the 2015-2018 seasons. Highlights in her time here include being a two-year letter winner, 3 time academic All-American, and 4 time Academic All-Big Ten. In 2018, Rowland graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. In 2019, she began pursuing a Master of Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Wisconsin Madison and plans to graduate this May. Don’t’ worry, Rachel is still a loyal gopher fan.
Jenny Remitz

Jenny Remitz received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Marquette University in 2007 and completed her Board Certification in Orthopedic Physical Therapy in 2013. Jenny is currently a Clinical Specialist working at M Health Fairview Sports and Orthopedic Clinic in Blaine, MN and Larkin Dance Studio. She directs the Dance Medicine Program and participates in the Running Program offered through the M Health Fairview Rehabilitation Services. During her years of clinical practice, she has worked with many young athletes to restore function and optimize performance. In addition, she has taken numerous continuing education courses focusing on the management of spine and lower extremity injuries. Jenny has a passion for young athletes with a background as a gymnast, dancer and track athlete. Jenny was a Level 9 gymnast, All- State, All-American High school team gymnast and then went onto compete as a Division I Pole Vaulter at Marquette University. During her time as a physical therapist she has also worked as a part time gymnastics coach and strength and conditioning consultant. Jenny currently lives in Roseville, MN. She is married and has three young children that attend St. Odilia School. She enjoys waterskiing, running and staying active with her family.
Marc Ryan

Marc Ryan is a Senior Associate Athletics Director for University of Minnesota Athletics and serves as the sport administrator for 11 Golden Gopher teams, including men’s gymnastics and women’s gymnastics. At the University of Minnesota, Marc has also served as the Football Sport Administrator, Associate Athletics Director for Sport Administration and Championships, Assistant Sports Information Director of the Men’s Athletics Department, Director of Media Relations, and Assistant Athletics Director for External Relations. Prior to Minnesota, Marc worked at Villanova University as the Assistant Sports Information Director, coached Cross Country and Track & Field at Macalester College and served as their Sports Information Director. He has also worked national and international events through the United States Olympic Committee. Marc is a graduate of Minnesota State University Moorhead with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications, two-time All-American and a member of nine conference championship teams in cross country and track & field, and was inducted into the MSUM Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007. He earned his Master’s degree in sports management from the U of M. Marc currently lives in Apple Valley with his wife, Dianne, a former Gopher Women’s Sports Information Director (1991-96), and their three children: Sean, a basketball student-athlete at Saint John’s University, and twins Keara and Kyle, who attend the College of St. Benedict and South Dakota State, respectively.
 
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