Courtesy: Nebraska University Athletic Communications
Republic native Taylor Houchin wasted no time making her name known at the collegiate gymnastic level. The Nebraska University newcomer was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week, following a vault title in her first collegiate meet.
Houchin competed on vault, uneven bars and floor exercise in Nebraska’s season-opening 195.700-192.900 victory over No. 18 Penn State on Sunday at the Devaney Center.
She paced the field with a 9.90 on vault, and tied for second on floor with a 9.825. She also posted a solid 9.825 on bars against Penn State.
Houchin trained under coach Cash McGowan at Gold Medal Gyms in Republic prior to her collegiate career. She won the all-around title at the 2016 Junior Olympic Nationals, while finishing second on vault and third on beam. She is a two-time regional all-around champion and a five-time J.O. National Championships qualifier. In 2016, Taylor won each event and the all-around at the Level 10 Missouri State Championships.
She will be recognized for her Junior Olympic title at the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame banquet, Jan. 29 at University Plaza Convention Center in Springfield.
