Following an Illinois State gymnastics meet on Jan. 19 at Southeast Missouri State where the Redbirds swept the balance beam competition and scored a season-high 49.275, the Illinois State gymnastics team was recognized for its accomplishments with a No. 7 national beam ranking, according to the latest troester.com Collegiate Gymnastics Rankings.
Lisa Klein, who tied the Illinois State individual beam record of 9.950 at SEMO, led the Redbirds to the national ranking and helped put the Birds within .025 of tying the Illinois State balance beam record of 49.300, set in 2001 against Western Michigan. Klein is ranked first in the South Central region for high beam score, and the Birds are ranked second on beam in their region.
This past weekend we had five huge beam performances from Jaime Reineck, Amy Biedenharn, Heather Mohler, Denise Houda and Lisa Klein, who tied the Redbird record, head coach Beth Larson said. Our entire lineup, including Kelly Noonan, had consistent routines and was rewarded for their hard work. This recognition is well-deserved.
This program has always been consistent on beam, earning us the nickname Dream Beam Team, continued Larson. Its rewarding to be recognized as national competitors.
