BOYS GYMNASTICS: Vieth's routine helps push Panthers into lead

Many of the spectators had their eyes on senior Trey Enriquez, but the loudest cheers Friday were reserved for another Permian High School gymnast on the opening day of the Mojo Invitational.

Competing on high bar, junior Caleb Vieth performed a double-barrel dismount and stuck a nearly flawless landing that brought the crowd and his teammates to their feet in the Permian Gymnastics Gym.

Vieth was bombarded by high fives and hugs from his teammates, and after he saw his 8.1 score that tied San Angelo Central’s Tevin Macias for first in the event, uttered a simple phrase.

“I’m tired,” he said to the chagrin of his coaching staff.

Permian boys coach Jared Whiles said Vieth’s performance was key in Permian Black’s late charge to first place after the opening day. Permian Black scored 142.75 on the meet’s optional day, leading San Angelo Central’s 142.00.

Permian White is third at 121.35 and Odessa High (70.65) is seventh out of eight teams.

“We’re right where we need to be,” Whiles said. “San Angelo Central is tough competition, and to come out like that is great.”

Enriquez is ranked No. 1 in all-around (48.1), while Vieth is sixth (45.85) with today’s compulsories left to go.

Enriquez said he’s happy Vieth came back from adversity.

“A while ago he did the same skill and hurt himself,” Enriquez said. “To see him stick that landing gave us a spark. It lit a fire under us, and, I’m sure it gave him (Caleb) a ton of confidence.”

As a team, Permian has five athletes ranked in the top 10 in all-around on the first day.

After Enriquez, Brock Smith (47.2) is third in addition to Vieth in sixth.

“As a team, I feel we didn’t come out at 100 percent,” Enriquez said. “We started off cold and made a lot of mistakes, but picked it later on. I think a lot had to do with Caleb’s landing.”

Odessa High’s top gymnast, Gilbert Rivera, ranks 16th all-around with a score of 37.25.

Also for OHS, Kevin Cook stands in 26th at 21.9.

“It’s going to be a tight race (today),” Whiles said. “I’m interested to see how the team will come out after being sore from the day before.”

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