Southern Utah Extends Gymnastics Coach Scotty Bauman Through 2031

Bauman to lead Flippin' Birds into Pac-12 Conference next season

Feb. 23, 2026 at 6:23am

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Southern Utah University Athletics has announced a five-year contract extension for Head Gymnastics Coach Scotty Bauman, securing the leader of the Flippin' Birds through the 2031 season. Bauman, who celebrates his 35th year at the helm of the program in 2026, is the longest-tenured head coach in Thunderbird Athletics history and has transformed Southern Utah gymnastics into one of the nation's most respected and consistent programs.

Why it matters

The extension comes at a pivotal moment for the program, as the Flippin' Birds are set to join the Pac-12 Conference next season. The move marks a new era for Southern Utah gymnastics and places the program on one of the sport's premier stages, a transition that will continue under Bauman's steady leadership.

The details

Bauman has overseen a remarkable rise in performance during his tenure, with the team's all-around average climbing from 182.16 the year before his arrival to a school-record 196.375 in 2023. Under his guidance, Southern Utah has produced a three-time All-American, numerous NCAA Regional qualifiers, and consistent postseason success.

  • Bauman celebrates his 35th year at the helm of the program in 2026.
  • Southern Utah will join the Pac-12 Conference next season.

The players

Scotty Bauman

The head coach of the Southern Utah gymnastics program, who has led the Flippin' Birds for over 35 years and transformed the team into a nationally respected and consistent program.

Tom Higbee

The Interim Director of Athletics at Southern Utah University, who praised Bauman's leadership, integrity, and commitment to student-athlete success in elevating the gymnastics program to national prominence.

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What they’re saying

“Scotty Bauman is synonymous with SUU Gymnastics. His leadership, integrity, and commitment to student-athlete success have elevated this program to national prominence. As we prepare to enter the Pac-12, there is no one better suited to guide our program into this next chapter.”

— Tom Higbee, Interim Director of Athletics

“Southern Utah has been home for my family and me for almost four decades, and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue leading this program. What makes this place special has always been the people, our student-athletes, our staff, and this community. I'm proud of what we've built together, and I'm excited to see our team step onto the Pac-12 stage and represent SUU the way we know how.”

— Scotty Bauman

What’s next

With this extension and a transition to the Pac-12 on the horizon, SUU Athletics continues to show its commitment to sustained excellence, competitive success, and the championship culture Bauman has built in Cedar City.

The takeaway

Scotty Bauman's contract extension and the Flippin' Birds' move to the Pac-12 Conference solidify Southern Utah's gymnastics program as a national powerhouse, poised to continue its success and represent the university on one of the sport's premier stages under the leadership of its long-tenured and highly respected head coach.