Ball State University Athletics
Gymnastics Season Preview
December 10, 2006 | Gymnastics
Lisa Woody Simonton enters her second season as Ball State University's head women's gymnastics coach. Simonton comes from a wealth of experience after spending the previous five years at the helm of the United States Air Force Academy, where she led a trio of gymnasts to 2005 USAG All-America status. Simonton also guided her team to a sixth-place finish at the USAG National Championships.
During her tenure at Air Force, the Falcons won two USAG national titles and made two team appearances at the NCAA Regionals. Simonton plans on carringover that success to the Cardinals this season with a total of nine veterans returning to the floor and one of the largest recruiting classes in school history with 12 newcomers.
Simonton's recruits come from all over the United States and Puerto Rico. The 2006-07 gymnastics team has real potential to compete for the Mid-American Conference title in March.
The seven letterwinners returning to the Cardinal rotation this season includes three seniors: Jenna Tarkington, Kelly Watson and Lauren West.
Tarkington specializes in vault, beam and floor, and was also tabbed as a co-captain for this season, marking her second year as captain. Tarkington is currently tied for fourth all-time in the BSU record books after scoring a 9.875 on vault last season (Feb. 24) at the Missouri Cat Classic.
Watson and West are both all-around competitors. The two classmates also received Academic All-MAC honors. Watson was also named to the All-MAC Second Team in the all-around.
The Cardinals return three juniors for 2006-07. Brittany George - - who was also elected a co-captain this season - - earned a team best on bars with a score of 9.650. She is expected to show great leadership as a veteran and captain.
Erica Gilkerson enters her junior year after receiving All-MAC Second Team honors. Gilkerson compiled two top scores for BSU last season, including a 9.750 on floor and a 9.650 on beam. Kristin Sprague closes out the juniors after placing third on bars last season with a 9.625 at the Missouri Cat Classic.
The sophomores will all be competing this season for the first time with the exception Natalie Hesler who saw limited action last season, but will have to sit out as a medical redshirt for 2006-07.
Added to the roster, is the largest recruiting class in program history, with 12 newcomers coming from California, Florida, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and even Puerto Rico.
“The freshman class will add instant depth and talent to the 2006-2007 squad,” said head coach Lisa Simonton. “The increased level of gymnastics has not only motivated the upperclassmen, but has brought a renewed sense of competitiveness and team-oriented collaboration. We have high expectations for the upcoming season and look forward to showcasing this program's talents."
Ball State opens the season at Big Ten foe Ohio State on Jan. 13. The Cardinals host four home meets which begins on Jan. 26 with the Cardinal Classic.
The month of January also marks Breast Cancer Awareness month for gymnastics. The Cardinals have planned to dedicate its home meet on Jan. 28 against Alaska to the cause.
The Cardinals have also received votes in the NCAA top 25 pre-season poll, according to troester.com. Ball State and Central Michigan are the only two MAC schools' receiving votes.
