Huskies Finish Second at Beauty and the Beast Meet, Seniors Honored
The Northern Illinois University gymnastics team concluded its ‘Beauty and the Beast’ meet in second place on Friday, February 21, 2026, with a team score of 191.700. Southeast Missouri State took first with 193.900, and Wilberforce University finished with 180.775.
Strong Performances Across the Board
NIU celebrated Senior Night, recognizing gymnasts Jocelyn Harbeck, Samantha Nickle, and Kiera O’Shea for their contributions to the program. Several Huskies delivered standout performances throughout the competition.
Sophomore Drake White tied for first place on floor exercise and secured third on vault. Junior Dawsyn Sallee continued her impressive form, taking first on vault for the second consecutive meet with a score of 9.825.
Freshman Talent Shines on Uneven Bars
A sweep on the uneven bars by NIU freshmen highlighted the evening. Elizabeth Poncin achieved a career-best 9.825, marking the highest bars score for the Huskies this season. Deziray Boykin contributed a 9.725, and Avery Riiff added a 9.700 to complete the impressive showing.
Beam and Floor Exercise Highlights
Junior Mikayla Brown secured second place on the balance beam with a 9.850, tying a career high. Boykin too excelled on beam, earning a career-best 9.750 and tying for fifth place.
On floor exercise, White claimed first place for the second time this season with a score of 9.800. Sallee and Harbeck also contributed solid performances, scoring 9.700 and 9.725 respectively.
Consistent Performances Throughout the Season
Sophomore Audrey Brenner has consistently delivered, earning a score of 9.700 or higher in five straight meets and six of the seven meets this season. Harbeck has also maintained a strong presence, achieving a score of 9.725 or higher in her last five meets.
Looking Ahead: The Rise of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Meets
The ‘Beauty and the Beast’ format, where the men’s and women’s gymnastics teams compete back-to-back, is gaining popularity across collegiate gymnastics. This format aims to attract larger crowds and create a more dynamic atmosphere. Even as this report focuses on the NIU women’s team, the combined event format is a key trend.
Increased Fan Engagement
Combining men’s and women’s meets allows for cross-promotion and broader appeal. Families and fans interested in gymnastics, regardless of gender, are more likely to attend a single event featuring both teams. This increased attendance can lead to greater revenue for athletic programs.
Showcasing Diverse Skillsets
The ‘Beauty and the Beast’ format highlights the different strengths and styles of men’s and women’s gymnastics. Men’s routines often emphasize power and acrobatics, while women’s routines focus on flexibility, grace, and artistry. This contrast provides a more comprehensive and engaging experience for spectators.
Impact on Recruitment
The growing popularity of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ meets can also influence recruitment. Prospective student-athletes may be drawn to programs that prioritize a vibrant and supportive athletic community, as exemplified by these combined events.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the ‘Beauty and the Beast’ meet format? It’s a combined gymnastics meet featuring both the men’s and women’s teams competing consecutively.
- Who won the meet on February 21, 2026? Southeast Missouri State won with a team score of 193.900.
- Which NIU gymnast won on floor exercise? Drake White won with a score of 9.800.
- Who were the NIU seniors honored at the meet? Jocelyn Harbeck, Samantha Nickle, and Kiera O’Shea were recognized.
Pro Tip: Preserve an eye on the NIU Huskies’ schedule for future ‘Beauty and the Beast’ meets and other exciting gymnastics competitions!
Want to stay up-to-date on all the latest NIU gymnastics news? Visit the official NIU Athletics website for schedules, results, and more.
