Jan. 14, 2008
NORMAL, Ill. - A win over Central Michigan launched the Illinois State gymnastics team into the national spotlight. The Redbirds defeated the Chippewas, 191.550-186.125 Sunday, and made their season debut at No. 29 in the GymInfo National Poll, which was released Monday.
Head coach Bob Conkling was proud of his team for this accomplishment.
"It is fantastic to be ranked so high after our season opener," said Conkling. "We need to stay in the top-36 so we are able to get a bid to the regional meet later in the season."
Illinois State, who did not have a preseason ranking, is the only team from the Midwest Independent Conference to be ranked at this time. ISU is also ranked No. 19 in the uneven bars with an average score of 48.450. They are ranked above Minnesota (48.350), Missouri (48.300), UCLA (48.100) and Nebraska (48.237).
Conkling believes that this will be great motivation for the girls in future meets.
"Now the girls will know that even if they make mistakes, they need to stay positive and competitive throughout the meet," said Conkling. "It can pay off in the end."
