Normally Utah’s gymnastics team uses its Red Rocks preview in part to introduce its new gymnasts to the idea of performing in front of large crowds.
On Wednesday, the Utes will use their preseason event to do the opposite — get its veterans a taste of what it will be like to perform in front of a near empty Hunstman Center.
Unlike in normal times, the public isn’t invited to Wednesday’s afternoon run-through.
The Pac-12 hasn’t announced its attendance restrictions for the 2021 season, but it’s expected large gatherings will continue to be prohibited.
Last year the Utes averaged a school record 15,273 fans before the season abruptly ended in March due to the corona virus outbreak. They have averaged more than 14,000 fans every season since 2011.
Utah coach Tom Farden is disappointed the event won’t be its usual, fun affair but understands the restrictions. This time the event is as much about event details as it is about gymnastics.
“Our athletes work really hard but this isn’t a normal year,” he said. “There are a lot of adjustments we have to make with increased times between rotations for cleaning and physical distancing rules, so there is a lot we have to manage this year and maneuver with the new policies.”
The Pac-12 hasn’t released the schedule, but Farden is planning for an early January start as usual.
Despite a late start to their training, the Utes look strong and Farden is eager to see how they respond to a meet-like atmosphere.
Junior Adrienne Randall will perform on all four events for the first time. Other all-around competitors will be Alexia Burch, Cristal Isa, Jaedyn Rucker, Maile O’Keefe and Lucy Stanhope.
“We have to get things out on the hard mat and start tinkering with the lineups,” Farden said. “We need to see how they feed off each there and adapt to new spaces.”