MSU has released an update on Kathryn Mahoney, who injured her spine last week during training. She has been transferred out of the Neuro ICU and into a rehabilitation center closer to her home. There is an address to send cards, and an address to send a donation to her recovery expense fund.
Link: MSU Release
The season kicks off this weekend!. As always, surf over to CollegeGymFans.com. Each weekend during the season, we'll replace our feature section with our "Meet Time" collection of live links to stats, audio, commentary and more. The chat room is also open, so stop by and chat with fellow fans as you watch the meets. If you are on the go, check out our Twitter feed and get live updates as scores come in from across the country. Also, in the news section, you can subscribe to our RSS feed to get results and recaps as their posted. In the Events calendar in the Community section, we'll put a TV calendar as well as times for our Weekly chat. Here's a preview on some key meets this weekend, with a particular focus on the Top 25 teams:
Mahoney is listed in serious condition following surgery to stabilize the injury to the C-6 vertebrae, which occured in practice. Per the team's Facebook page, she is set to be released from the Neuro ICU tomorrow and is sitting up and eating on her own. You can read more and send your well-wishes via the team's Facebook page, and find an address to send her cards and words of encouragement.
Alyssa Gale has been unable to overcome an injury from her club competition days. She'll retire, but remain involved with the team as a manager.
USA Gymnastics has issued a letter urging members and fans of the sport to make pledges to Cal Gymnastics Forever. In September, Cal announced the elimination of the Men's and Women's Gymnastics Program. In order to save the programs, a long term financial plan must be put in place to support gymnastics, rugby, women's lacrosse and baseball. A coordinated plan to raise $12.5M has been put in place, with over $10M already raised by the other sports. The Cal gymnastics program is targeting $1M towards that total, an amount they will have until January 31st to raise. Make your pledge or help spread the word today.
Link: USAG Letter and Cal Gymnastics Forever Website
Illinois has named Justin Spring Head Coach of it's men's program. He had been serving as Associate Head Coach.
Link: Illinois Release
Rutgers Head Coach Chrystal Nollet-Norton will retire at the end of the season, according to a school release. This season will mark her 25th. A national search will be conducted for her successor.
Link: Rutgers Release
New UCLA signee Peng Peng Lee won the AA on the first day at Elite Canada. Iowa commit Emily Bigras was 19th.
Link: Results and Interview with Lee
Kentucky defeated Ball State in an exhibition match Friday evening. Scores were kept, but full team scores are unavailable.
Link: Ball State Release
Troester.com has published the GymInfo Preseason Coaches' Poll. Defending champion UCLA leads the poll, earning 32 first place votes. Alabama is 2nd, with three first place votes. Just behind in 3rd is Florida, with three first place votes. OU is ranked fourth, with two first place votes. Utah and Stanford each picked up a 1st place vote and rank 5th and 6th, respectively.
Former standout Ashley Kent has been named assistant at Iowa State, according to a school release.
Link: Release
Ohio State has hired former Buckeye Dick Huntwork as an assistant to the Men's program. He currently coaches at the Hocking Valley Sports Center. He will supplement the interim Head Coaches following the departure of Miles Avery, which was announced last week.
Link: Ohio St Release
If you're interested in following the L10/elite signees and recruitables (16+) this season, you will find their club results posted under the "Results" tab at the top of the front page. Select 2010-11 to view just this season's results.
It's very early for the L10s, but we expect to post at least a few more results through December. The season picks up in earnest in January and results will be posted as we find them. If you don't see a link to your favorite meet, email us.
Western Michigan has inked two gymnasts for 2011-2012, Michelle Adams and Shelby Pflug. Adams' commitment was covered in a prior news item. Pflug is a L10 who trains at Aerials Gymnastics in Illinois. She placed 18th AA at the 2010 L10 Nationals, Senior B. She also finished 5th on VT and 21st AA at the 2009 Region V L10 Regionals.
Link: WMU Release