In Waco, Texas, Baylor's acrobatics and tumbling team continues to shine, led by the exceptional performances of Mo Arthur and Payton Washington. Arthur, hailing from Owensville, Mo., has once again been recognized by the National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association (NCATA), earning her sixth consecutive Freshman of the Week accolade. Meanwhile, Washington secured her third straight Athlete of the Week honor this season.
Arthur's contributions were pivotal across eight heats and the team event for Baylor. She kicked off the meet in Compulsory Acro, delivering a stellar 9.70 out of 10 as a base. Her versatility was on full display in Compulsory Pyramid and Toss, where she scored 9.80 and 9.85, respectively.
A standout moment came when Arthur executed "The Mo" in the 5-Element Acro heat, earning a remarkable 9.95. This unique skill, where the base performs a 2-hand handstand with the top in a straddle on the foot, is Arthur's signature move and a first in international acrobatic gymnastics.
In Pyramid heats, Arthur excelled as the sole mid-level performer, achieving scores of 9.95 and 9.90. Her prowess continued in the Toss heats, with a 9.40 in Heat 2 and a 9.90 in Heat 3. During the Team Event, she flawlessly executed five elite acro skills, each with a perfect start value.
Washington, a seasoned competitor, claimed her 11th all-time Athlete of the Week title. Competing in eight heats and the team event, she led Baylor to impressive scores, including a perfect 10 in Open Tumbling and a 9.90 in Heat 2 Pyramid.
Her role as the top in Compulsory Acro and Toss saw her score 9.70 and 9.85, respectively, showcasing her impeccable body control and execution. In Optional Acro, she delivered a 9.80 in the 7-Element heat, navigating a high-difficulty hand-to-foot sequence.
Washington's performances in Toss and Tumbling were equally impressive, with scores of 9.40 and 9.90 in Toss heats, and a perfect 10 in Open Tumbling. Her contributions in the Team Event were multifaceted, featuring three standing tumbling passes, two tosses, three acro skills, and a synchronized running tumbling pass.
As the Bears prepare for a brief respite, anticipation builds for their upcoming clash against Duquesne in Waco on March 28. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+.