Hawkeye Fan Shop — A Black & Gold Store | 24 Hawkeyes to Watch 2016-17 | Hawk Talk Monthly — Jan. 2017
BY: MADISON PETERSEN
IOWA CITY, Iowa – No. 22 University of Iowa women’s gymnast Melissa Zurawski has been named Big Ten Co-Gymnast of the Week after her performance against Maryland on Sunday inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Zurawski received this honor with Nicole Artz of Michigan. This is Iowa’s first Gymnast of the Week honor since Rebecca Simbhudas earned the title on Feb. 1, 2010.
“Melissa is one of the most conscientious, deliberate and driven athletes we have,” said UI head coach Larissa Libby. “What a tremendous honor to be recognized for her consistent effort. Melissa has worked extremely hard and is deserving of this award. I am very proud of who she has become.”
Zurawski led the GymHawks in a 195.975-193.800 win over Maryland. The junior earned first or runner-up in every event she competed in. The Darien, Illinois, native earned her second event title of the season on uneven bars with a career-high 9.925 to tie the third best score in Iowa history. She set another career high on vault with a 9.850 to place second overall. She earned an additional runner-up title on floor with a score of 9.875, which tied her career high in the event for the fourth time this season.
The junior has earned two other event titles so far this season. She took the event title on floor with a score of 9.875 at Iowa’s season opener at Northern Illinois. She also won on uneven bars against No. 18 Ohio State on Jan. 21.
Zurawski and the GymHawks return to action on Sunday when they travel to No. 20 Nebraska. Competition is set to begin at 1:00 p.m. (CT).
Fans can follow along with Iowa women’s gymnastics on facebook.com/iowagymnastics and by following @IowaGymnastics on Twitter and Instagram.