Samuelson Claims Beam Glory as WMU Shines in Top Three Across All Events at Next Level Podium Challenge

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Western Michigan underclassman Reese Samuelson secured the beam championship, and the Bronco gymnastics squad achieved top-three placements on vault, bars, and floor at the Next Level Gymnastics Podium Challenge held at Kellogg Arena on Saturday evening.  

With a personal-best achievement of 9.825, Samuelson shared the beam title with George Washington’s Kendall Whitman. This signifies the second consecutive week where a Bronco athlete has triumphed on beam.  

Senior Cassie St. Clair secured a tie for third place on vault with a score of 9.800. Later, St. Clair achieved second place on floor with a score of 9.875, which is her highest score during this season. Hannah Milton ended in a tie for fourth place among seven competitors after scoring 9.825 on floor.  

In the beam event, sophomore Julie Korfhage recorded a personal-best score of 9.825, finishing tied for second place, just .025 points behind the leader. Fifth-year senior Sarah Moravansky followed closely behind Korfhage in third with a score of 9.800.  

Collectively, the Pitt team secured first place with a total of 195.575 points. Illinois State finished in second place, followed by George Washington in third and the Broncos finishing fourth. 

Western Michigan will host New Hampshire and Fisk on Sunday, Jan. 19 at 1 p.m. for their home opener. Tickets are obtainable at www.wmubroncos.com/tickets.