The Illinois State Redbird gymnastics team opens its 2002 season Sunday afternoon at 2:00 pm at Horton Fieldhouse against Southeast Missouri State.
Last season the Redbirds beat SEMO twice, once in a regular season match up and once at the conference championships. The Otahkians are coming off their season opening loss to seventh-ranked Florida and Central Michigan.
The Redbirds are looking to carry over their success from last year which earned them an NCAA Regional berth, recording a post-season NCAA ranking of 30. The 2001 team also found sucess academically by earning the the fourth best team grade point average in NCAA Division I gymnastics, according to National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics/Women.
The 2002 squad returns 12 gymnasts and includes five newcomers. Veterans Denise Houda, Kristy Kreinbrink, Heather Mohler, and Jamie Reinick will be looked upon to lead the team. Newcomer Carlee Wright is expected to shine in her first season as a Redbird.
First year head coach Beth Larson is anxious to get the season underway.
This is a huge year for us, especially coming off of last years success. The goal of this year is to be courageous throughout the season, said Larson. We want to be better than last year, but at the same time take it one step at a time, remembering that this is a new year.
Returning all-around gymnast, Heather Mohler, looks for this season to be full of excitement.
This year is different because we have a lot of newcomers, but I am anxious to see the team work and compete together, said Mohler. We have a new style, and we have worked hard as a team. I am really looking forwad to putting everything together.
