Head coach Beth Larson is hoping for a fresh start when the Illinois State gymnastics team takes on in-state foe Illinois-Chicago Sunday at 5 p.m. in Horton Field House.
We have a new start in mind, and were ready for a new beginning this weekend, Larson commented. Our training this week has been at the highest level of intensity that its been all year long. Earlier this week, as a team, we reevaluated our goals for the season, and from that moment, there has been a new fire in the eyes of the athletes.
Illinois-Chicago is typically one of the Redbirds strongest challenges each season. Sundays meet is the first of five times Illinois State will face the Flames this season. Larson is expecting top performances from her team on the balance beam and floor exercise to counteract the strength of Illinois-Chicago on the vault and uneven bars.
Illinois-Chicago is always one of our toughest competitors, said Larson. But I feel that the confidence we have from this week is going to lead to great things this weekend, no matter what.
