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The Red Rocks Preview normally is an event geared toward giving Utah's gymnasts a chance to experience the Huntsman Center environment in a meet-like setting before the season starts.

But with Friday's event being televised nationally by the Pac-12 Network, it also provided a chance for opponents to do a little preseason scouting on the Utes.

What they saw might make those foes a little nervous.

The Utes, who open the regular season Jan. 7 against Michigan, ripped through their routines in solid form in front of 6,115 fans. Utah co-coach Tom Farden said it was the best performance he has seen from the program in his seven years on the coaching staff.

"We are about as ready as we can be," he said.

No doubt many in attendance were eager to see freshman MyKayla Skinner perform. An alternate for the 2016 Olympic team, Skinner didn't join the Utes until October after participating on a tour with the Olympic team.

But the limited work with her collegiate team obviously isn't hampering her as she was solid on all her routines. Her balance beam routine was one of the highlights of the night as she nailed her tumbling passes, endeared herself to the crowd by flashing the "U" and stuck her dismount.

Her floor routine has some of the highest difficulty a Utah gymnast has ever had and her showing on Friday brought the crowd to its feet.

Skinner said she was nervous since she hasn't competed since the Olympic trials in July, but the experience eased her nerves.

"That was amazing," she said.

The rest of the Utes were solid on the balance beam too, with no falls and just a few bobbles.

Last year beam doomed the Utes at the NCAA Championships where falls resulted in a ninth-place finish.

But the Utes hope the addition of Skinner, along with the return of veteran Kari Lee, will make the lineup solid in 2017.

"We have worked hard in the offseason to become a beam team," senior Baely Rowe said. "I honestly trust everyone up there that hey are going to hit."

Lee, who missed most of the 2016 season after tearing her Achilles tendon, was good on the beam but really showed off on the uneven bars.

She threw a massive routine that had co-coach Farden pumping his fists in the air as she landed the dismount.

Lee said she reviewed some of her old performances, which helped her get ready for Friday.

"It reminded me to just do the gymnastics she said. "All I really remember is sticking my dismount and putting my head back." —

Rocks and roll

In short • Utah's gymnasts all looked strong in their Red Rocks preview with few major mistakes. Freshman MyKayla Skinner provided some of the night's biggest highlights. No scores were kept in the event.

Of note • Co-coach Tom Farden called Friday's effort the best preseason performance the Utes have had in his seven years on the staff.

Up next • Utah's season opener is Jan. 7 against Michigan at 5 p.m.