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TWU Home > Student Life > Athletics > Gymnastics > 4/19/08
PIONEER POST
from Kelsey and Brista |
Pioneer Post – April 19, 2008
(Editor's Note: This is the fifth and final installment in a series of "Pioneer Posts" from Shreveport, Lousiana detailing the TWU Pioneers experiences at the 2008 USA Gymnastics Women's Collegiate National Championships. Read all of the "Pioneer Posts" from Nationals' week by clicking here)
Hello Pioneer Fans!
It’s certainly been an exciting weekend for us. Even after two days of thrilling team competitions, it was still not over for some individuals. Seniors Nicole Poling and Courtney Arno-Templet, juniors Amie Boles, Brittany Parker, and Tonya Pipkorn, and freshmen Mollie Blessing and Amanda Walker had a chance at individual titles on their events.
We were able to sleep in before heading to the Gold Dome for the last day of competition. For some, it’s not easy being a spectator, but those of us in the stands were behind each teammate as they competed. Also, as a competitor it’s not easy being down on the floor without the entire team behind you. Each individual qualifier performed to the best of their abilities and we were proud that they represented TWU so well.
The final meet was setup a little different than normal—vault and beam alternated competitors, then bars and floor alternated competitors allowing the fans to watch each routine easily. Nic, Brittany, and Mollie competed on vault, Tonya and Courtney were on beam, Amanda and Courtney on bars, and Amie, Mollie, and Tonya on floor. Courtney captured the second bar and beam USAG National Championships of her career. Way to go out with a bang! We must not overlook the performances of the other competitors—Britt placed second on vault followed by Mollie in fourth and Nic in ninth; Tonya placed sixth on beam; Amanda placed third on bars; and on floor Tonya was sixth, Amie came in seventh, and Mollie rounded out the floor group in ninth.
After the competition it was time to head home. We feasted at Applebee’s and when I say feasted, I mean feasted. There was no holding back for our team when Coach offered us with the unsuspected surprise of dessert! The rest of the ride home was nothing less than entertaining. Once the sugar rush hit we had a never-ending photo op, definitely an unforgettable bus ride home. Upon arriving home we were surprised with messages on Frenchy’s vans and some amazing friends and family. Thanks again to all of you who have supported us on our journey to our NINTH USAG National Championship.
One Team. One Dream. Embrace the Challenge.
Kelsey Nixon and Brista Michael
Juniors
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