As open-faced renovation continues on the Irving Gym athletic facilities, the Ball State University gymnastics team is set to play host to Mid-American Conference opponent Central Michigan University at 2 p.m. Sunday at Worthen Arena.
Returning 10 starters from a 2008 season in which they placed third in the MAC Championships, the Chippewas, (3-0, 1-0 MAC), purvey what the Cardinals have been accumulating since early January: vocational experience.
"We try to do what we do in practice every day," freshman Daneen Haba said. "We are just trying to overcome and perform the best we can."
The Cardinals, (1-2, 0-2 MAC), counter the Chippewas' depth with nine freshman of their own, the ninth and most recent coming from inter-semester University of Alabama transfer Julie Cotter.
"We're hoping to put in a few new girls who haven't competed on the floor exercise yet," coach Nadalie Walsh said.
With the abundance of freshmen, it is likely that numerous gymnasts will receive an opportunity to compete, Walsh said.
"Kayla [Kmiecik] is really clean and there's no question about her tumbling," Walsh said of one of her nine freshmen. "That makes us feel good."
Floor routines were drilled four out of five days of practice this week, an exercise generally reserved for practice just twice per week, Walsh said.
"For the girls that are out there, we've made small changes to make things better," Walsh said. "The energy has been good this week. It won't be a surprise once we get [in Worthen]."
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
