The No. 25 Illinois State gymnastics team will travel to Chicago on Friday night to face collegiate gymnastics teams from all over the state at this year's Illinois Classic meet, hosted by Illinois-Chicago
Last year, Illinois State finished third behind both Illinois-Chicago and Illinois en route to topping Northern Illinois at the same contest. All four teams will be returning to the classic this year.
Based on an early season matchup in which the 'Birds came out on top, Illinois State is favored to surpass the Illini this year. On Jan 19. the Redbirds set a string of personal bests and shattered their previous team scoring record for the second time this season to top Illinois (196.000-192.275) at home.
Early season matchups between ISU and UIC favor the Flames who are 2-0 against the Redbirds this season. Reflecting on the 'Birds home meet against UIC earlier this season, head coach Jill Hollembeak is optimistic that the 'Birds have what it takes to come out on top this weekend.
"We beat ourselves. UIC didn't beat us at home," said Hollembeak. "We had some unfortunate falls that put us out of contention for the win, but I'm confident in my team's abilities. I feel that if we stick to our team goals and do everything we can to focus, we will have some great performances on Friday and we may just come out on top."
Last weekend the 'Birds broke six school records as they came out on top against Centenary in Louisiana. After breaking their team scoring record for the third time this season, the school record stands at an impressive 196.175. The Birds are regionally-ranked at No. 5 and if they are able to maintain their position in the South Central region through their final two meets, they will earn the team's fourth NCAA Regional bid in school history.
As a team, they are ranked high on all four apparatuses: No. 5 on vault, No. 6 on uneven bars, No. 3 on balance beam and No. 3 on floor exercise. Individually, the 'Birds are succeeding in the regional rankings as well. On vault, Sophomore Heather Mohler is ranked No. 3 and junior Rena Fox is ranked No. 28. On bars, sophomore Kristy Kreinbrink, sophomore Denise Houda and senior Dana Luther are ranked at No. 12, 22, and 24, respectively.
On the balance beam, Mohler and freshman Lisa Klein are ranked No. 8 and No. 13 along with teammates, Houda and junior Jaime Reineck who are ranked at No. 21 and 22, respectively. On floor exercise, senior Captain Michelle Huston (No. 4) is joined by teammates senior Marisa Niekamp and Klein who are tied for the No. 23 spot.
