Coming off what Illinois State head gymnastics coach Beth Larson said was the best team performance of the season for her Redbirds, a dual-meet loss to Illinois-Chicago last weekend, the ISU gymnastics team will bring a new level of confidence to the floor as the Birds get set to host the Illinois State Championship this Saturday at Redbird Arena.
Holding strong with a 7-8 overall record, the Redbirds will welcome the Fighting Illini of Illinois, Huskies of Northern Illinois and Flames of Illinois-Chicago in the four-team competition. This will be the third meeting between ISU and UIC this year, after a close fight last weekend where the Flames burnt the Birds 192.900-192.450.
Illinois State will compete against Illinois and Northern Illinois for the second time this season. Illinois State held off the Fighting Illini in its second meet of the season (193.650-190.375) for its only win over an in-state school this season while falling to the Huskies in DeKalb in early February.
With the meet being held in Redbird Arena, Larson added her team will be ready for the big-time, arena atmosphere that is usually missing when the gymnasts compete in Horton Field House.
There are some advantages of being at home and competing in Redbird Arena, Larson said. Above all, we are honored to be hosting the event but also to compete in such a great facility, that will bring a good competitive atmosphere to the night.
The feelings the team will get will also benefit us, Larson continued. Hopefully the team will strive off the newer surroundings and compete like I know they can.
The state championship begins at 7 p.m.
