Senior Denise Houda was named the Illinois State most valuable gymnast and sophomore Courtney Johnson was voted the most valuable event specialist by their teammates at the Redbird gymnastics banquet on Sunday, April 27 at Biaggis in Bloomington, Ill.
Houda, a native of West Dundee, Ill., captured four all-around titles in 2003 and qualified for NCAA Regionals as an all-around competitor. Houda tied the Illinois State balance beam record of 9.95 on March 23, 2003, held by teammates Heather Mohler and Lisa Klein, and was part of the group that smashed the Illinois State team balance beam record at the same meet.
Johnson competed on the vault and floor exercise for the Redbirds and consistently posted solid scores in both events all season. The Lynn Center, Ill., native tallied a career-best 9.925 on the floor March 17, 2003, as well as a personal best 9.675 on the vault on February 9, 2003.
Sophomore Nicole Bishop was recognized as the teams hardest worker, while freshman Andrea Berry and junior Lindsay Klinefelter were voted as the teams most improved gymnasts. Senior Kristy Kreinbrink earned the teams strength and conditioning award. The most distinguished freshman award went to Amy Biedenharn, who competed on the vault, beam and floor for the Birds and participated in every meet of the 2003 season.
Mohler was tabbed the winner of the teams R.E.D.B.I.R.D. award for the second consecutive year. The award goes to the gymnast who exemplifies the concept of a student-athlete by being respected and outstanding in both the gym and the classroom.
Though the banquet was mostly about recognizing the accomplishments of the 2003 season, a glimpse of the future was provided when sophomore Klein was voted 2004s team captain.
Looking into next year, Lisa Klein is going to lead this team with all of the heart and dedication she has towards the sport and Redbird athletics, head coach Beth Larson said. I expect great things from her and the other returning individuals who have already started to prepare for their success in 2004. Combined with the four incredible freshmen we signed this past Novemeber, this team will be ready to establish a whole new set of standards for Redbird gymnastics.
