SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4 Sports) - The 5th-ranked Utah gymnastics team kicked off the 2026 season with an impressive performance, securing a victory at the Huntsman Center on Friday night. The Red Rocks achieved a season-opening score of 196.625, comfortably outpacing their competitors: the #15 Minnesota Golden Gophers, who finished with a score of 195.475, and the No. 22 Iowa Hawkeyes, who concluded the meet with 194.825. The turnout was remarkable, as 11,191 enthusiastic fans filled the arena, filling the atmosphere with excitement and energy. The meet, which marked the beginning of the NCAA gymnastics season for the Red Rocks, was not only a demonstration of athletic prowess but also a celebration of community support. "It is such a special experience to be here in the Huntsman Center," remarked Utah’s head coach, Tom Farden, reflecting on the significance of the venue and the support from the fans. The Huntsman Center is known for its vibrant atmosphere, and the energy from the crowd certainly played a role in elevating the team’s performance. Leading the charge for Utah was junior gymnast Maile Zirbes, who delivered a stellar performance, earning a personal best on the vault with a score of 9.950. Zirbes' explosive routines captivated the audience and judges alike, contributing significantly to the team’s total score. "I was really focused tonight, and it felt great to compete in front of our fans again," Zirbes said after the meet. Her performance not only set a high standard for her team but also showcased her growth as a gymnast, building on her previous season’s experiences. In addition to Zirbes, the Red Rocks showcased a well-rounded lineup, with several gymnasts stepping up to deliver impressive scores across all apparatuses. Sophomore gymnast Grace McCallum also shone brightly, contributing to the team’s success with a powerful floor routine that earned her a score of 9.875. Her performance was marked by remarkable difficulty and execution, further solidifying her place as a key member of the team. "It was amazing to start the season off with such energy and support. I felt like the crowd really pushed us to perform our best tonight," McCallum stated. The competition was not without its challenges. Minnesota came into the meet with high expectations, bolstered by a strong roster that included several seasoned competitors. The Golden Gophers managed to post solid scores across their routines, but they ultimately fell short of the Red Rocks' impressive tally. Minnesota’s standout performer was senior gymnast Lexy Ramler, who showcased her exceptional talent with a score of 9.900 on the balance beam. Ramler’s performance highlighted the competitive nature of the tri-meet and underscored the depth within collegiate gymnastics. On the other hand, Iowa faced its own set of challenges during the meet. The Hawkeyes, although ranked lower, displayed resilience and determination. They were led by junior gymnast Lauren Guerin, who earned a commendable score of 9.825 on the uneven bars. Despite the adversity, Iowa's team spirit shone through, and head coach Larissa Libby expressed pride in her team’s performance. "We are still in the early stages of the season, and tonight was a great opportunity for us to gain experience and build momentum moving forward," Libby noted. The Red Rocks’ victory not only sets a positive tone for the season ahead but also reinforces their status as a formidable force in NCAA gymnastics. With the rankings released just before the meet, Utah’s performance will likely help solidify their position among the top teams in the nation as they aim for a championship run. The meet concluded with a celebratory atmosphere, as the Red Rocks and their fans embraced the excitement of a new season. The support from the community was palpable, and it is clear that the Huntsman Center will be a pivotal venue as Utah progresses through the season. With the next meet already on the horizon, the Red Rocks will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for upcoming competitions. As the 2026 season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Red Rocks navigate the challenges ahead. With a combination of talent, determination, and community support, Utah gymnastics is poised for a memorable season filled with achievements and thrilling performances. In conclusion, the opening meet not only showcased the individual talents of the gymnasts but also illustrated the strength of the Utah gymnastics program as a whole. With the foundation laid in this season opener, the Red Rocks are ready to take on the challenges that await them in their quest for excellence in collegiate gymnastics.