Tinkering with lineups has always been a favorite aspect of coaching for Utah’s Tom Farden, but this year’s challenges are more difficult than ever.

Proven gymnasts such as Kara Eaker and Maile O’Keefe would have been locks for most lineups a year ago, but this year’s Utes are so deep in some places that there are few locks anymore.

It’s a good problem to have for the Utes, and one Farden expects to use to his benefit.

“These are new waters for us and we have to be up for the challenge as a staff,” he said. “It’s a delicate balance of motivating athletes and fine-tuning our lineups and it isn’t an exact science but we are trying to find the right combinations.”

Friday’s Rio Tinto meet at the Maverik Center gives the sixth-ranked Utes a new atmosphere in which to test the gymnasts since the meet is held on a podium, like the post-season setup.

The Utes compete against in-state foes BYU, No. 22 Southern Utah and Utah State.

Other teams are taking advantage of the setup as well in the form of Saturday’s Wasatch Classic. Sixth-ranked UCLA, No. 19 Minnesota, No. 25 Washington and Boise State compete at 3 p.m., and No. 3 California, No. 16 Iowa, No. 20 Pittsburgh and Oregon State compete at 8 p.m.

Eyes will certainly be on some of those other teams that could figure into the postseason picture, but ultimately the Utes are concerned most with their lineups.

The Utes are at least eight deep in each event and have as many as 11 or 12 capable gymnasts in some, making for some tough competition and decisions.

“Our staff gets a kick out of strategy,” Farden said. “It pushes you professionally and the team. They all buy into the team mentality of what it takes to determine our lineup spots.”

Utah’s Abby Paulson said the competition is one key to the team’s success.

“There is pressure each and every day to bring your best gymnastics,” she said.

Farden is looking for crisp routines and necessary difficulty, of course, but also how the gymnasts perform in various situations. That is why Friday’s meet is viewed as so crucial, even though the competition might not be ready to threaten the Utes’ winning streak.

The Utes have won 91 straight meets against Utah State, 44 against BYU and 28 against Southern Utah.

“Every time we go out it’s a better shot at tightening up the lineup and solidifying positions,” Farden said.

One gymnast worth keeping an eye on is Eaker. She competed only on the beam where she earned a 9.9 against LSU, but warmed up on the floor as did Jillian Hoffman.

“Everyone who knows me knows what that could mean,” Farden said. “There might be something coming.”