The two schools celebrated their big moves the past few days on campus and across their states. Maryland head coach Brett Nelligan recognized what this change means not only for the team but for the entire athletic department.

“I would be naive not to talk about the money it brings to the University. It was huge for us to go into the Big Ten. This means millions of dollars being added to our athletic department budget and with that budget we are able to do some really amazing things. Everything is being discussed right now- new facilities, new competition venues, new athlete dining halls, and new athlete dorms.”
 

Maryland coaches left to right: J.J. Ferreira,
Erinn Dooley, Brett Nelligan

The Big Ten is one of the strongest gymnastics conferences in the NCAA and had four teams competing at national championships this year- Nebraska, Michigan, Illinois, and Penn State.

“Athletes have said they want to go to one of the premiere conferences in the country, which the Big Ten definitely is now with multiple teams in the top 25,” Nelligan said. “We’ve already seen a recruiting increase which is great. Gymnasts are excited to come in here and compete against the best in the country.” 
 

“What it comes down to in gymnastics, for sure, is teams that are getting the best recruits are teams that are finishing the highest. We’ve done a good job of out-performing where our kids have come in in the past and we’ve really grown over time and we have to continue to grow. We have to continued to push our athletes to the ultimate of what they’re capable of and as long as we continue to do that we’re going to continue to push up those rankings in the Big Ten.”
 

Another advantage to this move that also contributes to recruiting is the exposure from the Big Ten Network, a national network broadcasting to over 52 million homes in the US and Canada. Maryland and Rutgers families from around the country will soon be able watch their gymnasts compete on TV. 
 

The addition of these teams also changes the dynamic of the Big Ten Championships. The conference has added “Big Five” meets to determine the seedings for the championships. The week before the Big Ten Championships, there will be two meets with five teams at each. The teams that finish in the top three from each meet will get to compete in the evening session of the Big Ten Championships. Subsequently, the teams who place in the bottom two from each meet will compete in the afternoon session at the Big Ten Championships. 

 

Overall, both teams are excited with this move and forsee many positive benefits.

“Gymnastics is something that’s well supported in the Big Ten Conference.” Nelligan said, “Fans really enjoy and support gymnastics and that’s something we’re really looking forward to.”


Gymnastics teams in the Big Ten and final 2014 rank according to GymInfo
Nebraska - 6
Michigan - 10
Illinois- Champaign - 11
Penn State - 12
Minnesota - 14
Ohio State - 23
Maryland - 32
Rutgers - 35
Iowa - 38
Michigan State - 39