Sam Mikulak Romps to Title at 2010 U.S. Men’s Gymnastics Championships
Posted on 11 August 2010 by admin
As expected, SCATS’ Sam Mikulak won his first U.S. Championship, and did so in a runaway romp. Mikulak (86.50) finished a staggering 5.45 points ahead of 2nd place finisher Jacoby Rubin (81.05). The 16-18 age division title was never in doubt as Mikulak ended up capturing titles on floor, pommel horse, parallel bars and high bar. This particular title has been elusive for Mikulak, after having been the runner-up to John Orozco the past two years. But this title is sweet, as it caps off his brilliant club career. Still, Mikulak has unfinished business as he has qualified for Day 2 competition, and will attempt to place high enough to make the Senior National Team. That would be an amazing feat to accomplish just before he packs his bags for Ann Arbor, MI. The Michigan Wolverines are licking their chops in anticipation of his arrival, knowing that Mikulak will help them defend their national team title.
The 14-15 division competition was an outright dogfight, but Sean Melton’s steady routines propelled him to the All-Around title. Adrian De Los Angeles led after three rotations, but Melton’s brilliant routines on floor (14.50) and pommel horse (13.80) were the gamebreakers. The 14-15 division had an amazing amount of depth, where at least a half dozen gymnasts who placed out of the top 5, easily had the talent to make the top 5. The future for all these gymnasts is looking very bright. 4th place finisher Stacey Ervin is emerging as a powerful force to be reckoned with. If not for his 11.80 on pommel horse, Ervin had a legitimate shot at the title. His 15.50 on vault earned him a U.S. championship on that event.
Hats off to Anne Phillips at Gymnastike for her timely Twitter updates and to Blythe Lawrence at Gymnastics Examiner for her great live blogging.
16-18 Division
- Sam Mikulak (SCATS) – 86.50
- Jacoby Rubin (Buffalo Grove) – 81.05
- Wyatt Aycock (Orlando Metro) – 80.65
- Jordan Valdez (Champions) – 80.30
- Cale Robinson (Premier) – 80.25
14-15 Division
- Sean Melton (Orlando Metro) – 83.40
- Adrian De Los Angeles (SCATS) – 82.15
- Jake Martin (Orlando Metro) – 81.50
- Stacey Ervin (Mills) – 81.15
- Timmy Wang (South Coast) – 80.65
August 14th, 2010 at 5:11 pm
In your article you note that “The 14-15 division had an amazing amount of depth, where at least a half dozen gymnasts who placed out of the top 5, easily had the talent to make the top 5.”
I agree with your comment. Would you mind advising who are those half dozen gymnasts?
August 17th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
Max Mayr, Nick Spiro, Jake Dastrup, Jonathan Deaton, Donnell Whittenburg & Joe Peters.