Jan. 11, 2012
NORMAL, Ill. -
After a stellar performance in her first collegiate gymnastics meet, Illinois State freshman Samantha King was named the Midwest Independent Conference Gymnast of the Week by the league office Wednesday.
King placed first in the all-around event with a score of 38.300 to help lead the Redbirds to a 190.850-186.300 victory over Mid-America Conference opponent Ball State in the season opener Sunday inside Horton Field House. The Canton, Mich., native recorded third-place finishes on the uneven bars (9.57) and balance beam (9.650) against the Cardinals. She also finished fourth on the vault (9.575) and rounded out the day with a seventh-place finish on the floor exercise (9.500).
Illinois State head coach Bob Conkling was impressed with his freshman's performance in her first meet.
"We knew when Sami came here this fall that she had the potential to be a great gymnast," Conkling said. "We wanted to take a chance on her and it looks like that is paying off. She didn't even compete at the level she is capable of against Ball State because we watered down the routines a bit for the first meet. So, we have big expectations for her and it will be fun watching her throughout the year."
The Redbird gymnasts will return to action Friday, Jan. 13, in a rematch against Ball State in Muncie, Ind. The meet is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
GoRedbirds.com: Your online source for Illinois State Athletics, tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
