Acrobatics and Tumbling | 3/11/2026 3:30:00 PM
ERIE, Pa. — Following a season-high performance, the No. 9 Gannon University Acrobatics and Tumbling team earned national recognition as junior
Paytyn Neal (Fairmont, W.Va./Fairmont Senior High) was named NCATA Division II Athlete of the Week and freshman
Adyson Rothermel (Wernersville, Pa./Conrad Weiser High) was selected as NCATA Division II Freshman of the Week.
The honors come after the Golden Knights posted a season-high team score of 270.570 in a meet against No. 2 Oregon.
Neal, a junior base and mid from Fairmont, West Virginia, competed in nine heats and the team event. She scored a 9.90 in the compulsory toss and inversion pyramid and helped Gannon earn a 9.95 in the open pyramid. Neal's performances played a key role in helping the Golden Knights reach several season-high marks during the meet.
Rothermel, a freshman base from Wernersville, Pennsylvania, competed in seven heats and the team event. She recorded two scores of 9.90 in the compulsory toss and inversion pyramid, contributing to Gannon's strong showing. The honor marks Rothermel's second consecutive NCATA Division II Freshman of the Week accolade.
Neal's recognition marks her first NCATA Athlete of the Week award and the third weekly honor of the season for head coach
Addy Womeldorph's Golden Knights.
Gannon also recorded season-high scores across the meet, posting a 38.40 in the compulsory event, 28.55 in acro, 29.50 in pyramid, 28.35 in toss, 54.10 in tumbling and 91.67 in the team event.
Neal's and Rothermel's performances have helped lead the Golden Knights to a 4–2 overall record this season, including a perfect 4-0 mark inside the Highmark Events Center.
The Golden Knights' 270.570 total marked their highest score of the season as Gannon continues its 2026 campaign.
