First Home Meet vs. Eastern Michigan Up Next For Redbird Gymnasts

NORMAL, Ill. – After beginning the 2022 season with two-straight road meet, Illinois State gymnastics returns home Friday to host Mid-American Conference foe Eastern Michigan at Horton Field House beginning at 7 p.m.

It will be Youth Gymnastics and Reggie's Kids Club Night at Horton Field House, and the first 50 kids 12 and under in attendance will receive a clear backpack giveaway courtesy of Reggie's Kids Club and the Town of Normal Parks and Recreation. Autographed team schedule posters will also be available for pickup upon entry while supplies last.

Due to the men's basketball game happening at the same time at Redbird Arena, fans planning to attend the gymnastics meet should park in lot G82 behind Horton Field House.

"The team, staff and coaches are excited for our first home meet of the season," ISU head coach Bob Conkling said. "The team has worked hard this week on hitting all their routines and are ready to have a solid and consistent meet. Eastern Michigan is a strong team, but so are we. It should be a great competition to watch, and we hope all our fans can come out to support the team."

Last week, the Redbirds finished second in the tri-meet at No. 15 Michigan State behind the Spartans and ahead of Bowling Green. ISU was led by junior Angelica Labat, who returned to the all-around after not competing in the competition in the season-opening meet at Missouri. She finished behind three Spartan gymnasts in fourth place overall in the all-round with a score of 38.675, which was aided by a tie for third place on bars (9.775) and a tie for fourth place on beam (9.850). For her efforts, Labat was named the Midwest Independent Conference Gymnast of the Week for the seventh time in her career.

Eastern Michigan comes into the meet after defeating in-state conference rival, Central Michigan last Friday. The Eagles have seen early success from its bars and beam lineups, averaging 48.838 on beam and 48.713 on bars, which rank second and third in the Mid-American Conference, respectively. 

Live stats will be made available on the gymnastics schedule page on GoRedbirds.com and a live stream will be available on its Facebook page. For all latest on Illinois State gymnastics, stay tuned at GoRedbirds.com and follow the team on Facebook, Twitter (@redbirdwgym) and Instagram (isu_redbirdgym).

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