Stephenson and the Tigers open the 2008 Season on Jan. 12 at Bowling Green
  
 
Lauren Stephenson's Diary Entry - Dec. 31st, 2007

Tigers Return to Columbia, Gear up for 2008 Opener

Dec. 31, 2007

We're back in Columbia and ready to get the season started. First semester proved to be one of the strongest pre-seasons this team has seen in awhile, and I think we're all eager to start competing and showing off all of our hard work. The break gave us all a chance to rejuvenate; we were able to take a break from the rush of school and classes, and give our bodies a much-needed rest before our meet season begins.

Practice began the 27th and we've been practicing hard for this past week. Thursday and Friday were tougher practices because we did all four events (not something we usually do) but overall, I think that it helped us get back into the swing of things. Today, we had a beam intraquad and it was clear that we have greatly improved in the past months. Initially, we went in aiming to hit 12 routines in a row, and although we didn't hit that goal, we had a strong day on beam. Becky started us off with a solid routine and a much-improved dismount. Brooke continued to consistently show off a gorgeous series and gainer dismount. Liz wowed us with her side-sumi and strong series. And it was great to see Julie back on beam and in action after some time off. We took today as a learning opportunity and saw where we can improve on beam and what we can do to insure success on the event.

During this past weekend, we have been planning a meal to take to the Ronald McDonald House. The House is a place for families of sick children to stay during their child's care in the Hospital. We decided that it would be a good opportunity to give back to the community of Columbia. Ash stepped up and helped organize everything. Each class was in charge of different foods. The senior class gathered everything up and delivered our taco fiesta to the families in the House this evening.

And I know that we're all looking forward to our holiday party this Thursday night at the Shire's. Robyn and David are having the whole team over for a lasagna dinner and Secret Santa gift exchange. Becky and D are bringing their DDR (Dance Dance Revolution) and Guitar Hero games for the entertainment and we can't wait to see Becky take over the dance floor.

 

 

We're all having fun and enjoying ourselves while we're gearing up for season. The campus is pretty empty, but that doesn't keep us from showing up to the gym each day ready to work hard. We're taking this time to really concentrating on fine-tuning our routines and putting that "finesse" into our performances. We have the skills and the right mindset, and we're going to come out of the gates fighting. We're on track to a great season, we're gaining momentum, and we're going to be unstoppable!!!!!

GO TIGERS!

Lauren

Black Squad Takes Black and Gold Meet Win, 189.650 - 177.900

12/13/2008 - W. Gymnastics

Senior Adrianne Perry and the breakout performance of freshman Mary Burke highlighted the evening for the Tigers in the Black and Gold intrasquad meet.

Brittany Haines' Gymnastics Journal

12/12/2008 - W. Gymnastics

The freshman is ready to start the competitive season with the Black and Gold meet on Saturday.

Brooke Boehmer's Gymnastics Journal

12/03/2008 - W. Gymnastics

The junior fills us in on the Tigers' hard work after the Thanksgiving break and preparing for the Black and Gold intrasquad meet on Dec. 13.

Missouri Ranked 19th in Preseason Poll

11/24/2008 - W. Gymnastics

The Tigers are looking forward to starting an exciting season behind the talents of seniors Adrianne Perry and Alicia Hatcher, and junior Sarah Shire.

2009 Squad to Debut in Black and Gold meet

12/12/2008 - W. Gymnastics

The Black and Gold intrasquad meet at 7 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 13, is a key warm-up for the Tigers before they take on a difficult 2009 schedule.