Feb. 22, 2006
Normal, Ill. -
Returning to familiar territory, the Illinois State gymnastics team (3-5) will host Western Michigan (5-5) Friday February 24. The dual meet, scheduled for 7 p.m., will be held at Horton Field House. For over a month the Redbirds have been traveling to away meets, so they look forward to competing on their home turf this weekend.
Redbird head coach, Bob Conkling anticipates improvement during this meet. Last week the `Birds suffered a loss to the Redhawks of Southeast Missouri State.
"I'm really happy to finally be at home," said Conkling. "Traveling with the team is great, but it takes a toll on them eventually, so it will be nice to compete in Horton again.
"This is such a talented group of gymnasts and I hate to see them sell themselves short," continued Conkling. "It is time to perform to the levels we are capable of, and I hope to see that on Friday."
In last week's loss to Southeast Missouri State, the `Birds struggled with their bar and beam routines. Competing without junior sisters, Anne and Tove Fjordholm, the team suffered falls on both beam and floor, two events in which the twins shine.
"Anne and Tove are strong assets to this team," said Conkling. "I look forward to them coming back and believe they will help out the team a lot. In practice this week, we have been doing more sets and working on detail, for those two events."
Strong vaulting has been a positive for the Redbirds in recent meets. Leading the team with highest vault score, freshman Meaghan Koshman carded a 9.850, which earned her first place honors.
With co-captain, Lauren Strnad injured, Nina Posada will be making her 2006 debut. Posada was injured during the beginning of the season and will take Strnad's place in the bar line-up.
"When the girls hit their bar routines, they do extremely well," said Conkling. "Bars is typically a good event for us."
Brushing off the past meet's mistakes, the `Birds are ready for a clean slate.
"We need to stay focused on the task and believe in ourselves," said Conkling. "We will have some light work-out before the meet, so the girls will be fresh and rested. I feel confident that we will be ready on Friday."
