He tried to fight it, but Chris Waller had to bend the rules for this moment.
After junior Sara Taubman stuck her dismount in her college debut Saturday, the UCLA gymnastics coach who wanted to follow strict social distancing protocols leaned in for a gentle embrace. Taubman had earned it during the Bruins’ season opener against Arizona State at Pauley Pavilion.
Taubman scored a 9.825 on bars and was one of seven UCLA gymnasts who either made their college debuts or debuted on a new event Saturday. The rising stars included freshman Chae Campbell, who competed in the all-around, and Frida Esparza, who began her career with an event-winning 9.