March 22, 2006
Cape Girardeau, Mo. -
The Midwest Independent Conference Championships await the Illinois State gymnastics team Saturday at Southeast Missouri State, beginning at 1 p.m. After suffering losses to Illinois, Illinois-Chicago and Northern Illinois at the State of Illinois meet last weekend, this will be the `Birds' last road trip of the 2006 season.
In attendance at the conference meet will be Illinois-Chicago, Southeast Missouri State, Centenary and Texas Women's. ISU currently stands 1-2 against Southeast Missouri State and is 0-3 against Illinois-Chicago. However, the team has not yet faced Centenary and Texas Women's.
Redbird head coach, Bob Conkling feels that Illinois State has a good shot at doing well in this competition.
"I am really excited for this meet," said Conkling. "One thing I've learned about facing Southeast Missouri State is that anything can happen. It seems to be whichever team is better that day wins when we've competed against them in the past. Illinois-Chicago is another group of great competitors. Overall I have to say that we are a better team than we were a month ago.
"I think we are capable of winning, it's just a matter of executing," continued Conkling. "The girls are due for a really good meet and I know we have a shot at that."
This final meet is bittersweet for Conkling. This was his first and last year with the 2006 seniors.
"I try not to think about this being my last meet with the seniors," said Conkling. "They have been a challenge and a pleasure to coach. I will really miss their leadership and what their different personalities have brought to our team."
