Bob Moore knows it before they hit the mat.
Whether it’s Kaleigh Dickson accelerating through her vault or Sarie Morrison putting a quick touch on the apparatus, the LSU vault coach can spot a high-scoring routine before it’s over. Moore’s keen attention to detail is a big reason why the No. 3 seed Tigers are the best vaulting team in the country.
LSU (20-5, 5-2 Southeastern Conference) set the school record on vault with a 49.403 average score last season, only to surpass it in 2014. The Tigers’ 49.506 average on the event this season helped them skyrocket to the top of the rankings, and Moore has excelled in bringing the best out of his vaulters.
“Bob focuses so much on details, and he really makes it a point to make everybody’s assignments and corrections individualized,” said junior all-arounder Rheagan Courville. “He has done such a great job in making me feel confident in myself in the way he coaches me.”
LSU’s vault lineup displayed its composure and consistency during Saturday night’s NCAA regional meet in the PMAC.
Dickson, who led off the event, injured her right foot a few paces down the runaway and received a 0.000 for failing to complete her routine. Having to count the final five scores, the Tigers pulled off their best vault performance of the season.
Three LSU gymnasts turned in 9.950s to share the vault title, and junior all-arounders Jessie Jordan and Britney Ranzy provided a pair of 9.900s for a 49.650 team score.
“There was never a doubt in my mind with only five kids going that we couldn’t do exactly what we did,” Moore said. “My goal this year has been to go out and have a 9.900 average for all six vaulters.”
Moore, a 2014 Central Region co-assistant coach of the year, was quick to acknowledge the role recruiting plays in LSU’s success on vault. Having top-notch talent is one thing, but Moore has proved his effectiveness in cultivating it.
Courville, Jordan and Dickson — the Tigers’ three consistent all-arounders  — increased their vault score every year under Moore’s tutelage, though Dickson’s average plummeted after her 0.000 Saturday night. Morrison, a senior who has flourished as a vault and bars specialist after several ankle surgeries, has improved on vault every season since her sophomore campaign.
As a result, LSU has increased its average vault score by more than one-tenth of a point every year since 2011. With those four representing the core of the Tigers’ vault lineup the last few seasons, there’s no denying Moore’s influence on their development.
“It’s not necessarily that we have a better vault lineup,” Morrison said. “The way that Bob coaches is very specific. It’s not about numbers and us pounding and landing on hard surfaces.”
Moore, who has coached four national champions on vault, has elevated LSU to new heights on vault through his ability to locate and emphasize the strengths of each individual gymnast. Moore said he falls back on “smoke and mirrors” to cover up the shortcomings of less talented gymnasts, but those techniques also enhance the routines of his high-caliber squad.
“Once you learn how to do that with less talent, when you’ve got real talent it’s that much easier,” Moore said. “I understand from having not-so-good kids in the past, it makes it so much easier for me to plan for those kids that are really naturally talented.”
Freshman all-around gymnast Ashleigh Gnat said Moore was able to quickly adapt to her style of vault after diligently studying her technique during recruiting. Using her speed down the runway to maximize the power of her routine, Gnat’s 9.873 average score is a key cog in the Tigers’ vault lineup.
The growth of freshmen and veterans alike has created a new standard of success on vault that the Tigers are more than living up to.
“I can’t help but believe they got a little bit of pride on the line, so that motivates them to hold on to [the ranking],” Moore said. “I keep reminding them that means nothing now. No. 1 will mean something to me in May.”
Dickson was on crutches Monday and is awaiting the results of an MRI on her right foot. LSU coach D-D Breaux said team doctors were optimistic that Dickson could compete on bars in the NCAA semifinals on April 18 in Birmingham, Ala.
That’s no problem for Moore, who said three or four gymnasts are ready to compete if Dickson is ruled out. He’s been grooming them as individuals all season, highlighting their strengths and adapting to their styles to bring out the best in every vaulter.
“Every person has a different key,” Moore said. “One size doesn’t fit all.”

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Taylor Balkom

LSU junior all-around Rheagan Courville hugs assistant coach Bob Moore Saturday, April 5, 2014, during an NCAA Gymnastics Regional meet in the PMAC. The Tigers won the meet with a school-record score of 198.325.