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Life > Athletics > Gymnastics > 1/15/06
ARNO LEADS TWU IN 2006 SEASON OPENER
 DENTON , Texas – Texas Woman’s University started the 2006 season with a strong performance to finish third at its Quadrangular Meet with No. 8 LSU, No. 27 Utah State and Centenary at Kitty Magee Arena before a school-record 694 fans.
The Tigers won the competition with a 194.050 followed by the Aggies (192.875), Pioneers (190.475) and Centenary (188.125).
“We had three strong events today. We looked good on vault, bars and beam. On floor, the training caught up to us. Our legs weren’t there,” head coach Frank Kudlac said. “I am extremely proud of the way we competed out of the blocks to start the season. We still have a long way to go. We watered down some routines as far as difficulty and skill.”
The meet featured a special performance by Denton’s Grammy Award-winning band Brave Combo. The crowd of 694 shattered the previous record of 532 set during the 2000 season.
“We set an attendance record which is great. We have strived to add fans with our promotions,” Kudlac stated. “Brave Combo helped get the fans behind us. The band was fantastic and added energy to the meet. Today should launch us into the season.”
The Pioneers began the meet on the vault with a 47.900 team score. Sophomore Nicole Poling and freshman Brittany Parker each recorded a 9.625 to get TWU off to a solid start.
TWU registered its best team score of the meet on the uneven bars (48.225). Junior Courtney Arno led the way with a 9.850 to win the event. Jennifer Kingsbury (9.700), Bethany Rehm (9.675), Brisa Fuentes (9.625) and Amber McMeans (9.375) contributed to the team tally.
“Courtney and Brisa were very strong competitors today. Courtney did two outstanding routines. They were the best of her career performance wise,” Kudlac said. “Brisa pulled through and did a nice job.”
Arno guided the Pioneers on the balance beam with a 9.825 mark to finish second overall. Poling (9.625) and Tonya Pipkorn (9.550) each placed in the top ten as well. The team recorded a score of 47.400.
The Pioneers concluded the meet on the floor exercise with a score of 46.950. Freshmen Amy Hulbert and Amie Boles posted marks of 9.750 and 9.700, respectively, in their first collegiate meet.
“The potential is very good. I am impressed with the leadership on and off the floor,” Kudlac added. “It is easy to let little mistakes domino but we didn’t let it happen.”
The gymnastics scoring system is altered every four years with the 2006 season restarting that process. Therefore all scores from the meet are the current school records.
Next, TWU hosts Wisconsin-Eau Claire, San Jose State and New Hampshire on Jan. 21 at 7:00 p.m. The meet features a special performance by Alexandria’s Ragtime Band. It is Breast Cancer Awareness, Faculty and Staff and Student Organization Night as well.
TEAM RESULTS
1. LSU -- 194.050 (VT -- 48.825, UB -- 48.300, BB -- 47.900, FX -- 49.025)
2. Utah State -- 192.875 (VT -- 48.400, UB -- 48.625, BB -- 47.250, FX -- 48.600)
3. Texas Woman's -- 190.475 (VT -- 47.900, UB -- 48.225, BB -- 47.400, FX -- 49.950)
4. Centenary -- 188.125 (VT -- 47.825, UB -- 46.275, BB -- 46.725, FX -- 47.250)
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