Lone Tiger takes fifth in nationals

Alisha Robinson ended her gymnastics career at Missouri on a high note.

The senior All-American finished fifth in the vault at the NCAA Championships on Saturday in Auburn, Ala.

“She was a little shaky on the first event or two, but then she did a really great job,” coach Rob Drass said. “We were probably a tenth of a point from maxing out to the best she could possibly do.”

Because the Tigers did not qualify as a team, Robinson competed individually in each event Friday. She finished 15th in the all-around with a score of 39.150. In her session Thursday, her individual scores were compared to those from members of No. 1 Georgia, No. 2 Alabama, No. 4 UCLA, No. 7 Florida, No. 8 Iowa State and No. 11 Brigham Young.

Against those competitors, she finished third on the vault (9.900), 14th on the floor exercise (9.850), 28th on bars (9.725) and 33rd on beam (9.675).

Her score on the vault earned a place in the championship round on Saturday, where she placed fifth.

Drass said Robinson got a “lousy draw” in the championships because she had to compete first in the lineup. He said scores tend to rise as the events progress in gymnastics and being last is the best draw. It was one of two things going against Robinson.

“There were only two athletes that made finals who weren’t attached to a team, and she was one of them,” Drass said. “Sometimes the perception is, ‘The team wasn’t good enough to get here, so you’re probably not that good.’ She really proved them wrong.”

Drass said Robinson’ performance was the best of her career, and fifth place at nationals is something to be proud of.

“There were probably 10 or 12, or maybe more Olympians at the meet,” Drass said. “To be one of the top vaulters when you’re competing against a bunch of Olympians is no small accomplishment.”

Although Robinson’s career is finished at MU, her legacy will continue to affect the program.

“For her to go out on this note among all of her other accomplishments and really lead the team to this point has made our program stronger and better,” Drass said. “Before her class, we finished in the 50-somethings, and now we’re finishing at No. 14. We’ll miss what she’s done for us, but we appreciate how much easier she’s made it for our future athletes.”

Drass said Robinson’s career is proof that his program can identify talent and hard workers.

“She finished her career as an All-American and as the most decorated MU gymnast ever,” Drass said. “I’m always happy to see an athlete end on a positive note, but at the same time, we’re going to miss her and the impact she had on making this team better.”

Robinson was not available for comment on this story.