After a tough weekend loss to Illinois, the Illinois State gymnastics team will head to Columbia, Mo., to face a familiar foe in Missouri on Thursday, January 30, for a 7 p.m. start time.
According to the latest GymInfo National Womens Gymnastics rankings, the Tigers are ranked No. 35 overall, while the Redbirds came in at No. 40. Head coach Beth Larson thinks that the close rankings are indicative of the level of competition that will be on display between the teams.
Its so similar to last weekend against Illinois in that it could be anybodys competition, Larson commented. Both teams are coming into the meet with so much talent, it could go either direction.
Our lineups will be pretty much the same for the Missouri meet, except were putting Kelly Noonan back in the leadoff position on beam to try to replicate our great performance at Southeast Missouri State, Larson said.
Larson believes that it will not just be talent that leads the Birds to victory, but confidence will also play a key role.
Yesterday in practice we talked about the importance of believing how great we really are, Larson continued. Winners are individuals who not only have the hard work, dedication and talent but also believe that they are winners from the heart, and its really important for us to have the belief that we are that good.
