Dec. 12, 2007
This past week of practice was quite different for the team than any other this preseason. In preparation for the Black and Gold Intrasquad, which was held Saturday, we practiced in the Hearnes arena on Thursday and Friday. It was helpful because equipment always feels different in a competitive setting. The vault landing is harder than what we practice on, the bars have a different swing to them and the floor has a tighter bounce. Oh, and the beam. We got it recovered this year and let's just say it is absolutely wonderful! The leather is new and I'd actually prefer it over some of our practice beams. It's one of those gymnastics things we get excited about.
Saturday began our season even though we only competed against ourselves. We had an especially great showing this year, in part due to the many changes the team has made, including two new coaches. Fig has helped our vault and bars teams tremendously and Amy on beam and floor dance, and as always, Rob takes care of tumbling and bars.
Vault was highlighted by a gorgeous front pike half by freshman Alex Gold, and great yurchenko fulls by newcomer Sarah Shire, freshman Lisa LaPerriere, junior Adrianne Perry and freshman Lauren Strphenson. On bars, senior Lisa Puccio returned this year with a great set after injury last season as did Liz Strattmann. Senior Ashley Khederian and sophomore Becky Scholle hit great routines and overall, bars was solid, but as a team we still need to increase our consistency, handstands and landings. I'm sure Rob and Fig will help us with that over Christmas break...
Beam also went well with a stunning routine from sophomore Brook Boehmer. It was great to see her hit such solid set after missing last year with a knee injury. A and Shire also hit great routines. Amy has been crucial in our training on this event. She's pushing us to keep up with the smaller details like eliminating wobbles and maintaining rhythm, which are the things that make the difference between a top 20 team and a top 10 team.
Freshman
Danielle Guider, A and Shire performed great routines on floor. Nearly everyone has new music and dance this year, so I'm pumped for our floor lineup. Once season starts, Rob won't be spotting tumbling passes in the meet, so the scores should bump up significantly.
This year is different for Mizzou Gymnastics. I can tell. The team can tell. We want it so bad, and we're doing everything we can to make it to nationals. Over break we will make improvements and changes based on Saturday's meet, and come ready for our first home meet, which is also Pink Out, January 18 at 6:30. GO TIGERS!!!
