Throughout the 2008 season the Ball State University gymnastics team has worked hard toward continued improvement, and the team hopes its season can culminate with a strong showing in the Mid-American Conference Championship this weekend.
The Cardinals (1-12, 0-6 MAC) began the season with seven straight scores of less than 190. In their final three competitions they scored more than 190 each time, including a season high 193.175 at the University of Illinois-Chicago.
"We've just got a lot more consistent, and in practice we have been more strict ... it's definitely paid off and increased confidence," Ball State coach Nadalie Walsh said.
One of the reasons for the surge has been junior Cobie Zuk. She is the Cardinals' lone all-around gymnast, performing in all four events in each of the last four meets. She recorded her season high in each event in one of the last three competitions.
"She's super talented; she just had various minor injuries throughout the beginning of the season," Walsh said. "... Now that her body has gotten better and she's been able to pull through things better, she has really helped us."
With the low scores to begin the season, it's unlikely for the Cardinals to qualify for the NCAA Regionals. This means Saturday will likely be the last performance for four Ball State seniors.
While the team can't qualify for Regionals, a few individuals still have a chance to qualify. Walsh said Gilkerson and Kristin Sprague are both right on the borderline of qualifying on the floor. Also, Ashley Jacob has an opportunity on the bars.
"It would be huge to have someone qualify for Regionals because no one has done it here for awhile," Walsh said.
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