2008 Woodie Awards
Gym'Backs advance to NCAA Championship
Harold McIlvain II
Issue date: 4/14/08 Section: Sports
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The team finished with a bye and only needed to worry about being passed by No. 2 Utah, who entered the last rotation on vault with a 147.550.
Utah posted its highest score of the night with a 49.400 to surpass the Gym'Backs, but that would not affect Arkansas' postseason chances as top two finishers at the event secure a NCAA Championship selection.
Arkansas was able to bounce back after a sixth place finish at the Southeastern Conference tournament by performing at a high level, said Arkansas co-head coach Rene Cook.
"We were on fire tonight, and I think we stuck more landings tonight than we have all season," Cook said. "We fought all year and finished strong, and now we're going to nationals.
"We just can't thank our fans and parents enough. Their energy not only carried us tonight, but it has been with us all season and we are grateful for their support and contributions."
The Gym'Backs started the meet on bars as they did at the SEC Tournament where the team struggled to post a 47.95. This time around, Arkansas was able to start the meet with a 48.875, starting the team out on the right foot, said Arkansas co-head coach Mark Cook.
"It was a good start," he said. "Nothing flashy - just solid gymnastics and a good starting place for the meet."
Arkansas followed that performance by posting its lowest total of the night with a 48.725 on beam. Sophomores Casey Jo Magee and Amy DeFilippo led the team with a 9.85 and a 9.825, respectively.
After a bye, Arkansas headed to the floor exercises, where the team picked up the pace by posting five 9.80 or better performances. The team was led by senior Samantha Cortez, who posted a 9.90.
Magee (9.85), junior Alexandra LaChance (9.85), sophomore Michelle Stout (9.825) and senior Emily Peacock (9.80) helped Arkansas move closer to a top-two placement heading into the final rotation.
The Gym'Backs tied a school record on vault with a 49.30, which secured a top-two placement for the team as Stout tied a career-best and led the team with 9.90. Arkansas finished with five 9.825 or better performances to end the meet.
Arkansas had many top performers at the competition, but it was a team effort that kept the season alive, Rene Cook said.
"[Stout] and [Cortez] really had great meets tonight," she said. "Their individual performances along with [Magee] really stood out, but it was a complete team effort tonight. Mark and I couldn't be more proud."
Magee finished third while Stout placed seventh in the all-around competition. Stout tied for second on vault, while Cortez finished tied for second in the floor exercise.
The Lady'Backs will try their hand at the NCAA Championships for the second straight year beginning April 24 in Athens, Ga.
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