Vol. 2, Issue 12
March 19, 2010
The LSU Tigers board a bus at 11 a.m. this morning for a 3½ hour ride north to Shreveport. On tap is a 6 p.m. start time, an hour earlier than usual, in Centenary’s Gold Dome as the Tigers take on the Ladies in the final dual gymnastics meet of the 2010 season. After tonight, the postseason begins and it’s one sure to be filled with as much hope as there are questions.
But first things first – LSU needs to have a successful meet tonight. To be sure, success tonight is solely defined by a high team score that will add to the Tigers’ Regional Qualifying Score. Currently standing at 196.200, LSU’s RQS could vault to a maximum of 196.560 should the Tigers score 197.150 or better tonight.
Why is this important? The RQS determines teams’ seedings in the postseason “tournament” and where each team will compete in the NCAA Regionals next month. A top six finish in the RQS would guarantee the Tigers a No. 1 seed and a favorable draw. A 196.560 RQS would’ve been good enough for No. 6 in this week’s rankings.
Senior Group Shines In Final PMAC Meet
Each of the LSU senior gymnasts scored 9.80 or better on every event they competed last Friday night, pacing the Tigers to the highest team score of the season – 197.150 against Iowa. The meet marked the home finale for Sabrina Franceschelli, Summer Hubbard, Susan Jackson and Kayla Rogers. In last week’s survey, you agreed with me that this group of four is the best senior class we’ve seen at LSU.
Team Score Highest In Nation
The 197.150 scored last week against Iowa stands as the highest team score in the country last week. Utah owns the second highest score for the week- 196.975. The score allowed the Tigers to drop the 196.475 scored against Alabama on Feb. 5 and, instead, count toward the RQS the previous high score of 196.925 scored against Oregon State two weeks ago.
Jackson Chasing More History
LSU senior Susan Jackson has another school record in her sights. This one could fall tonight in Shreveport as she competes in front of many family members traveling in to watch her final Louisiana performance.
Jackson is currently tied with Ashleigh Clare-Kearney for second-most all-around titles in a season with 9. Jackson has won the 9 titles in 10 meets this season. Clare-Kearney won 9 in 16 meets during the 2008 season.
Sandra Smith holds the school record with 10 all-around titles won during her 1980 freshman season. She accomplished the feat in 13 meets that season.
Tigers Winning Streak Advances To 2011
Last Friday’s win against Iowa gave the Tigers an undefeated season at home for 2010. LSU swept its opponents in the Maravich Center this season giving them 10 consecutive home victories dating back to the 2009 season. LSU opens next season’s home slate against Florida on January 21, 2011.
Tiger Superlatives
– Sam Engle for her second beam title (9.90) of the season last week against Iowa.
– Ashley Lee for her first-ever event title. She scored 9.875 on the vault to share the title with Susan Jackson and Kayla Rogers.
– Susan Jackson for adding three more event titles (vault, bars, floor) to her credit along with the all-around. She now has 63 total titles, third-most in LSU school history.
– Summer Hubbard for solid scores of 9.825, 9.875, and 9.875 on bars, beam and floor, respectively, last week. She is currently ranked 16th in the country on the uneven bars.
Mike’s Eye On The Tigers
Here’s what I will be watching for tonight as LSU travels to Shreveport to take on Centenary:
– LSU to be focused and ready to score big against the Ladies. However, I’m not sure that it will be 197.000-plus big. Centenary is winless this season, and the judges could seek to keep the meet from getting out of hand.
– The senior group to once again lead the way. Watch Sabrina Franceschelli closely – she’s due for a strong all-around tonight.
– Susan Jackson to tie Sandra Smith for most all-around titles in a season with 10 in 11 meets this season. Also, don’t be surprised if she gives the school all-around scoring record a run tonight. It’s currently held by April Burkholder but might not be after tonight.
Our airtime in the Geaux Zone is 5:55 p.m. tonight from Shreveport. Don’t miss a minute of it!
Until next week,
GEAUX TIGERS!
Mike
Vol. 2, Issue 11
March 12, 2010
Tonight we say “thank you” to four ladies who have worked together to form the core of the LSU Gymnastics program over the past four years. Tonight is Senior Night in the Maravich Center – our annual opportunity to recognize, honor and show respect for careers well done. If you’ve not been to a meet this season, please take a moment to attend this one. You will be glad you did.
Terrific Piece Written On LSU’s 2010 Senior Class
Congratulations to Sidney Kleinpeter for a wonderful article on LSU’s senior class. Please take a moment and read it on LSUsports.net. The article says far more than I can. Read More
Senior Group Best All-Time?
The four LSU seniors – Sabrina Franceschelli, Summer Hubbard, Susan Jackson, and Kayla Rogers – are among the most accomplished gymnasts in Tiger history. Let the debate begin about where they fall all time, but here’s my two cents: they’re the best senior group ever.
Here’s a combined résumé for your consideration. During their tenure these Tigers have:
2 Super Six appearances including the first in school history
2 straight NCAA Central Regional Championships
3 straight appearances in the NCAA National meet
75 wins and counting
12 All-America honors
1 individual National Championship and 1 runner-up
This senior group has a winning percentage of .645, which is currently third best in school history to the 1991 senior class’ (Rachelle Frugé, Jami Snopek, Aimee Churchill) record of .691 and the 2009 senior class’ (Ashleigh Clare-Kearney, Lauren Klein) record of .683.
With a few meets left to go in the 2010 season, this year’s seniors have a shot to move into second all time in winning percentage. And, this year’s group can set the record for most All-America honors – a record of 14 currently held by the 2006 class of April Burkholder, Kelly Lea, Terin Martinjak and Megan Durning.
But What They Don’t Have…
Is a perfect 10.0 on any individual event. Wouldn’t it be great tonight to see one or more of these seniors hit one to close out their home career? Ashleigh Clare Kearney did it last year in her final appearance in the Maravich Center – a 10.0 on vault.
Large Alumnae Group Expected Tonight
The largest-ever group of LSU Gymnastics alumnae is expected to attend tonight’s meet against Iowa in the Maravich Center. It will be great to see them again. Yesterday, I ran into Marina Degteva and Sharene Mamby in the LSU Gymnastics Training Facility. The pair of former Tigers is in town from Toronto for tonight’s meet. Both are part of the 2002 class.
Degteva was a standout on vault, bars and floor while Mamby is one of only two Tigers to ever hit a perfect 10.0 on bars.
Susan Jackson Makes ESPN Top 10
The story about Susan Jackson’s first pitch at a recent LSU baseball game was in last week’s blog. ESPN noticed and ran it during Monday’s SportsCenter show. In case you missed it, here’s the link to what SportsCenter anchor Josh Elliot said, “That may be the greatest first pitch I have ever seen in my life.”
5 Straight 196.000+ Scores
Since the disappointing performance at Florida on Jan. 29, the Tigers have reeled off five consecutive team scores of 196.050 or better. Four of those scores were against teams ranked No. 1, No. 5, No. 6 and No. 6 at the time.
Tonight’s meet against Iowa is critical because a new season-high home score would allow the Tigers to use the 196.925 scored last week against Oregon State to count toward their Regional Qualifying Score.
The Last Time LSU Scored 197.000 Or Higher…
…was almost exactly one year ago. LSU scored 197.150 against North Carolina State on Senior Night – the same night as ACK’s perfect 10 on vault.
Tigers Look For 10 Straight Home Wins
After losing to eventual National Champion Georgia to open the home schedule last year, LSU has reeled off nine-straight wins in the Maravich Center. This year’s senior class looks to make it 10 in a row tonight against Iowa. During this span, the Tigers have knocked off five teams ranked in the Top 11 including No. 1 Alabama earlier this year.
A win tonight would give the 2010 Senior Class 20 wins in 24 home meets.
RQS Goes Above 196 For First Time This Season
The Tigers’ RQS jumped another two tenths of a point this week after last Friday’s season-high score posted against Oregon State. The Tigers’ RQS of 196.110 was strong enough to hold the No. 10 spot in the national rankings this week.
The 196.925 team score against Oregon State allowed LSU to count a 196.475 score toward the RQS while dropping a 195.650 score the Tigers earned earlier this season at home against Auburn.
In the team event rankings, LSU jumped to No. 8 on bars, No. 10 on beam, No. 12 on vault and No. 15 on floor.
Cox Replay Of Oregon State Meet Tomorrow Evening
The first Cox Sports replay of last week’s upset of sixth-ranked Oregon State will be tomorrow (Saturday) evening at 5:30 on Cox Cable Channel 37.
Dickson Off Crutches
Freshman Kaleigh Dickson continues her rehab of a season-ending knee injury. The injury, the first major of her career, occurred just before the start of the season. It was great to see her off crutches and walking on her own yesterday. She will redshirt this season. Look for her to lend a major scoring role for the Tigers next season.
Larissa Makes Her Return; A Look At Iowa
Former LSU Tiger gymnast and LSU assistant coach Larissa Libby has been the head coach of the Iowa GymHawks for the past six years. Larissa was a standout gymnast for LSU from 1992-95. She was a four-year captain on the team and helped LSU to three Top-10 finishes. She won the Central Region bars championship her senior year as a Tiger.
Libby is the reigning NCAA North Central Regional Coach of the Year for guiding her GymHawks to a 10-5 record in 2009. The year before she was named co-Big Ten Coach of the Year.
Her team is paced again this season by senior all-arounder Rebecca Simbhudas who has an all-around RQS of 39.085. Iowa is coming off back-to-back important wins for their program at Iowa State and at home against Southern Utah – two Top-20 teams.
Junior Houry Gebeshian shared the all-around title with Simbhudas in last week’s meet – both scoring 39.325.
Mike’s Eye On The Tigers
Here’s what I will be watching for tonight as LSU hosts Iowa on Senior Night in the Maravich Center:
LSU to hit 197.000 for the first time this season. This is the time of year the Tigers really begin to shine.
LSU’s four seniors to go out in style. Don’t be surprised if you see some career high scores fall tonight.
OK, I am stepping out on this one. Tonight, Susan Jackson goes 10.0 on vault for the first time in her career.
Watch the continued improvement of junior Sam Engle. She has been a delight to watch this season with her steady and sure progress. Last week’s beam routine was gorgeous.
The Tigers have worked hard this week on sticking landings and taking care of the little things that can add up to larger deductions from the judges. Look for the routines tonight to be clean and relaxed – just in time for the postseason run.
Until next week, GEAUX TIGERS!
Mike
Vol. 2, Issue 10
March 5, 2010
What a terrific night for LSU Gymnastics and Foundation 56 last night in the Tiger Stadium Club! Several hundred folks turned out to help support the gymnastics Tigers’ primary charitable cause – breast cancer awareness and research.
Alongside former LSU Tiger and current Dallas Cowboys football great Bradie James, whose number 56 is shared in his foundation’s name, Head Coach D-D Breaux and many others joined to raise several thousands of dollars through both a silent and live auction. James’ mother, Etta, died of breast cancer in 2001 while he was a member of the LSU Tigers.
Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints memorabilia were among the hottest items auctioned. A football signed by every member of the Saints fetched $1,800 in the live auction alone. Trips to Hawai’i, Wyoming and Fourchon were also auctioned. However, the most touching part of the night was seeing a hand-made king-size purple and gold quilt – sewn by D-D Breaux‘s mother and two other ladies – draw a $1,500 bid.
Billed as the “Foundation 56 Tiger Tailgate,” the event served as the official kick-off to the Third Annual Etta James Memorial Meet weekend. Tonight’s gymnastics meet in the Maravich Center will also serve as a fundraising opportunity for Foundation 56 and its effort to promote breast cancer awareness in our local communities.
Tigers Perform Well In Georgia
Despite falling behind by four tenths after the first rotation in last week’s meet at No. 5 Georgia, the LSU Tigers battled the GymDogs even for the final three rotations in an impressive display of perseverance and focus. The Tigers were led by Sam Engle and Susan Jackson, who won the all-around title for the seventh time in eight meets this season. Engle set a new career-high mark on balance beam (9.875) and a season high on floor exercise (9.825).
Other superlatives included Sabrina Franceschelli’s 39.050 all-around score, Summer Hubbard’s 9.825 on both bars and beam and Ericka Garcia’s 9.85 on vault.
Though not as large as expected (and largely quiet throughout), the Georgia crowd did little to rattle the younger Tigers.
Susan Jackson Notches Another Record
Some great research courtesy of LSU Gymnastics SID Jake Terry reveals another school record for senior gymnast Susan Jackson. The Spring, Texas native has been ranked No. 1 in the all-around nationally for seven straight weeks. This breaks the record of two-time National Champion Ashleigh Clare-Kearney who was ranked No. 1 for three weeks during the 2007 season.
How good has she been this season? Prior to this season, Jackson had earned 5 total all-around titles. She has 7 in 8 meets this season.
Jackson Throws Out First Pitch At LSU Baseball Game
The No. 1 LSU baseball team honored Susan Jackson last weekend by inviting her to throw out the first pitch of the Sunday afternoon game. Well, she “threw” it all right. Just take a look at the video on LSUsports.net and enjoy her “curve ball.” My-oh-my what that catcher must have thought! The video link is here: http://www.lsusports.net/mediaPortal/player.dbml?id=696022&db_oem_id=5200
Tigers Hitting Mid-season Stride
D-D Breaux has a simple philosophy about a gymnastics season. Start modestly. Find your strengths. Build up your weaknesses. Hit a mid-season stride, but don’t peak too soon. Go all-out from the SEC Championship through Nationals.
That philosophy has been reflected in the last four gym meets where the Tigers have notched team scores of 196.475 (twice), 196.200 and 196.050 at Georgia.
Rankings On Way Up Too
The Tigers’ RQS jumped two tenths of a point this week to 195.945 courtesy of the solid road score at Georgia. The 196.050 at Athens replaced the 195.050 the Tigers’ scored at Florida in the RQS formula. LSU remained ranked No. 10 in the national polls this week just behind ninth-ranked Utah (196.155).
In the team event rankings, LSU jumped to No. 12 on the beam, No. 14 on floor, No. 10 on bars and No. 12 on vault.
Cox Sports Broadcasting Tonight’s Meet
Lyn Rollins and Jewell Fourrier will have the call of the meet tonight as LSU takes on Oregon State. The meet will be recorded for broadcast on March 13 at 5:30 p.m.
Oregon State Is Very, Very Good
No. 6 Oregon State has a very good gymnastics team. The Beavers are 10-1 this season, with their only loss coming at No. 3 UCLA two weeks ago. As a team, Oregon State ranks in the Top 10 on each event. Senior All-American Mandi Rodriguez is outstanding and has a all-around RQS of 39.370. The Baldwin Park, Calif., native will certainly give Susan Jackson a run for the all-around tonight.
As you might suspect, the Beavers compete in the PAC-10 Conference which has 5 teams ranked in the Top 25 this week. It’s been a while since Oregon State has ventured to Baton Rouge. In 1980, the Beavers and the Tigers faced off in the AIAW National Championships. Oregon State finished ahead of LSU that night, so the Tigers are officially 0-1 against the Beavers all-time in Baton Rouge.
The last time these two teams faced off they battled for the NCAA Central Regional title last season in Columbus, Ohio. LSU edged out Oregon State by .075 as both teams advanced to the NCAA National Championships in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Tonight marks the first time these two teams have squared off in a dual meet. LSU owns an overall lead in the series 9-6-1.
Mike’s Eye On The Tigers
Here’s what I will be watching for tonight as LSU hosts Oregon State for the first time in the Third Annual Etta James Memorial meet:
LSU to hit a team score higher than 196.475. This will allow the Tigers to count both of its current season high scores of 196.475 towards the Regional Qualifying Score. This will continue to raise the Tigers’ seeding for the post season.
A classic battle for the all-around tonight. Susan Jackson and Mandi Rodriguez. It will be fun to watch to say the least.
Summer Hubbard and Kayla Rogers to have great meets tonight. They are both due for breakouts.
Sam Engle and Sabrina Franceschelli to maintain their consistency on multiple events.
A large crowd, approaching a record, in the Maravich Center tonight. The school record is 7,717 fans. Can we break it and, in so doing, meet our goal of $56,000 for Foundation 56?
Regardless if you’re a consistent follower of gymnastics or not, tonight is a meet not to be missed. The LSU Athletic Department is throwing everything it has into the promotion of this meet. Wear pink to the meet and you could win a chance to sit with Bradie James and watch from the floor. Also, “America’s Got Talent” performers “Dragon Masters Showcase” will show off its talent after the meet.
Until next week, GEAUX TIGERS!
MikeVol. 2, Issue 9
February 26, 2010
The LSU Tigers awoke this morning in the historic City of Athens, Georgia – the self-proclaimed epicenter of collegiate gymnastics. After an easy flight from Baton Rouge to Atlanta, the Tigers suffered through Atlanta rush hour traffic before arriving at the team’s Athens hotel around 8 p.m. Eastern last night.
The Tigers’ morning meeting, called “Power Circle” by Head Coach D-D Breaux, has just ended. Breaux’s motivational words of the day: confidence, attitude, swagger and focus. And after two solid weeks of practice back home, LSU looks primed and ready to take on the Georgia GymDogs, winners of five consecutive national titles, tonight in Stegeman Coliseum.
A Word Of Thanks
Last week I was sidelined with the worst case of flu I have had in my life. Of course, the year I don’t get the flu shot and this happens. Many thanks to LSU SID Jake Terry and Ashleigh Clare-Kearney for stepping in to last week’s broadcast at Arkansas and doing a terrific job. This week’s blog will be a little longer than usual to make up for last week’s hiatus.
2010 Season Half Done
It’s truly hard to believe that the second half of the 2010 gymnastics season has begun. Two weeks ago, the LSU Tigers hosted Texas Woman’s in the Maravich Center and tied a season-best team score of 196.475. This matched the team’s score against Alabama a week prior. In the Texas Woman’s meet, LSU senior Susan Jackson took the all-around title – her sixth in a row to start 2010. This effort broke a 30 year-old school record.
Other big news out of the Texas Woman’s meet was the emergence of the LSU uneven bars team. The impressive 49.325 team score is second best in the SEC this season. The Tigers were led by junior Sam Engle who was nearly perfect with a 9.95 score.
Last week, the Tigers and Arkansas Razorbacks battled to the last routine and ended in a 196.200 tie. The tie was the first in 10 years for LSU. The GymBack’s Casey Jo Magee edged out LSU’s Susan Jackson for the all-around title, ending Jackson’s run of titles at six. Jackson suffered a sub-par beam routine (9.75 score) but was able to notch a remarkable 39.425 all-around score nonetheless.
Sabrina Franceschelli turned in a very nice performance for the Tigers in Fayetteville after suffering a leg injury the week of the Texas Woman’s meet. She turned in scores of 9.800, 9.775, and 9.850 on vault, bars and floor, respectively.
So, Where Are We?
As we enter the second half of the season, where are the Tigers as a team? In short, they are a team on the rise. The past three meets the Tigers have really begun to put it together. Back-to-back season-high team scores of 196.475 coupled with a season-high road score of 196.200 have put the Tigers into the Top 10 nationally.
Also during the last three weeks, the Tigers have hit season-high scores on bars (49.325) and beam (49.225), demonstrating the strong capabilities of this team on the two most technical events.
Freshman Ericka Garcia has made her long-awaited debut. But her entrance into the vault, bars, and beam lineups has, so far, meant more to the team in practice than in the one meet she has appeared. Garcia’s presence as a potential scorer in each event has driven up the level of competition for those spots in practice. This, in turn, has helped the entire team raise its level of performance as demonstrated by the scores just described.
The rest of the regular season sets up very nicely for the Tigers to grow that all-important Regional Qualifying Score (RQS). After tonight’s meet, the Tigers have but one remaining regular season road meet at Centenary College, a place where LSU has traditionally racked up scores. The Tigers figure to score well at the two remaining home meets against top five Oregon State and Iowa.
Moving On Up
The NCAA gymnastics rankings have completed the mid-season switch from team average to the RQS calculation. A quick reminder that the RQS is a compilation of six scores (three road scores and three home scores) with the highest of the six scores dropped. The remaining 5 are averaged to compute the RQS. The Tigers’ RQS of 195.745 is good enough to place LSU 10th nationally this week. Utah is ninth at 195.995.
In the team event rankings, LSU remained No. 11 on vault with a 49.065 average, jumped three spots to ninth on bars with a 48.960 average, remained ranked 13th on beam (48.685) but dropped six spots on floor to No. 16 (48.900).
Susan Jackson continues to lead the nation in the all-around. The senior from Spring, Texas continues to pace the field with a 49.525 RQS. She has been the model of consistency so far this season, scoring between 39.775 and 39.275 in the all-around. In the events, she is ranked second on vault (9.920) and bars (9.895). She is No. 11 on balance beam (9.845) and ninth on the floor (9.880).
Summer Hubbard is the other Tiger in the national rankings this week. The St. Petersburg, Fla., native is ranked No. 21 on the uneven bars with a 9.825 RQS.
ESPN2 Broadcasting Tonight’s Meet
The World Wide Leader is in Athens to cover tonight’s meet. The air date for the meet is March 7 at 2 p.m. Central.
Tonight’s Probable Lineups
Bars
Sabrina Franceschelli
Shelby Prunty
Kayla Rogers
Sam Engle
Summer Hubbard
Susan Jackson
Ericka Garcia – exhibition
Vault
Kayla Rogers
Sabrina Franceschelli
Ashley Lee
Ericka Garcia
Gloria Johnson
Susan Jackson
Shelby Prunty – alternate
Floor
Kayla Rogers
Ashley Lee
Sabrina Franceschelli
Summer Hubbard
Sam Engle
Susan Jackson
Shelby Prunty – alternate
Beam
Shelby Prunty
Sabrina Franceschelli
Ericka Garcia
Summer Hubbard
Sam Engle
Susan Jackson
Kayla Rogers – exhibition
All-Around
Sabrina Franceschelli
Susan Jackson
Mike’s Eye On The Tigers
Here’s what I will be watching for tonight when LSU takes on Georgia:
LSU’s upperclassmen have competed inside Georgia’s Stegeman Coliseum numerous times in their careers. Look for the rowdy crowd and noisy environment to have little effect on these Tigers.
The routines are in solid and in place. So, sticking landings will be key tonight. The Tigers can ill-afford to give back needed tenths unnecessarily. Watch for this very closely.
Like LSU, Georgia has been on a roll of late hitting 197.000-plus team scores in two of the last three meets. UCLA comes into town next week, so is this LSU meet one the GymDogs overlook?
Susan Jackson and Sabrina Franceschelli may be the only two all-arounders in tonight’s meet. Georgia has been throwing a series of event specialists in each lineup and forgoing all-arounders of late.
LSU has had two great weeks of preparation. The Tigers have not beaten Georgia in a dual meet in Athens in 27 years. The events of this trip to north Georgia remind me of the last major LSU upset on the road- last season’s win in Tuscaloosa against Alabama. I’m just saying…
With a capacity crowd in attendance tonight, the atmosphere should be electric for LSU and Georgia – two of last season’s Super Six teams. Don’t forget that our meet time tonight is 6:30 p.m. Central time. So join Ashleigh Clare-Kearney and myself as we call all the action for you live in the Geaux Zone on LSUsports.net beginning at 6:25 p.m.
Until next week, GEAUX TIGERS!
Mike
Vol. 2, Issue 8
February 12, 2010
What a terrific seven days here in South Louisiana! Last Friday, LSU defeated then No. 1 Alabama in gymnastics at the Maravich Center. Sunday the New Orleans Saints won the Super Bowl and set off days of celebrations. And today much of Louisiana is blanketed in snow!
Just around the corner is Mardi Gras, and tonight we will celebrate it big time in the PMAC as No. 11 LSU welcomes Texas Woman’s University from Denton, Texas, for a 7:00 pm gymnastics meet. Despite the cool weather, I sure hope you’ll come support the Tigers. This team has steadily improved throughout this season and is poised for a real breakout meet tonight.
Don’t forget that you can begin redeeming your vouchers for the Ashleigh Clare-Kearney bobble head dolls at tonight’s meet. Just stop by the Tiger Fan Zone at Portal C and pick up one of these collector’s items.
LSU Looks To Break Season High Team Score
Traditionally, LSU has put up some big scores against TWU. In fact, the last time the Tigers hosted the Pioneers (1/30/04), LSU scored 196.500 – a score that Head Coach D-D Breaux says should be the median team score for the Tigers the rest of the way should her team want to compete for a third consecutive Super Six appearance.
LSU has posted top school scores against Texas Woman’s an amazing six times. So, perhaps the judging will open up a bit tonight and the Tigers can stick landings. These could result in a very nice night for the Tigers.
Jackson Goes For School Record Tonight
Last Friday night against Alabama, LSU senior All-American Susan Jackson tied the school record for consecutive all-around titles to open a season with five. A win in the all-around tonight will set a new school record with six. Jackson is tied with former All-American Sandra Smith, who won five-straight all-around titles to open her LSU career as a freshman in 1980. So, after tonight’s meet, there will either be a new record, or Jackson and Smith will remain tied in the record books.
Here’s how the pair have done it:
Susan Jackson, 2010, 5 straight all-around titles: Maryland, at Lady Luck Invitational, Auburn, at Florida, Alabama
Sandra Smith, 1980, 5 straight all-around titles: Texas Invitational, Georgia, Texas A&M, at Penn State, Louisville
It’s About Time
For the first time in 2010, Susan Jackson earned the Southeastern Conference Gymnast of the Week Award. After three previous weeks as the Nation’s No. 1 all-arounder, Jackson had been overlooked for the SEC honor. But not even her career high 39.725 AA score a week ago against No. 1 Alabama could be ignored this week.
Jackson earned the award once last season after posting her then career-high score of 39.700 against North Carolina State.
Tigers Scores On The Rise
Steady improvement in key individual scores has truly become apparent heading into tonight’s meet against TWU. For the first time this season, 12 of 24 routines are scoring 9.85 or better – a key barometer of both individual and team success.
This week in the practice gym Coach Breaux has preached stuck landings to go along with polish, presentation and self-confidence as a means towards adding precious tenths to each scoring routine.
Rankings On The Rise Too
Friday’s 196.475 against Alabama helped the Tigers’ season average increase to a 195.380. This was good enough to earn the No. 11 spot in this week’s national rankings. Less than two-tenths separate LSU and Nebraska for No. 10.
In the team event rankings, LSU climbed one spot to No. 9 on vault with a 49.045 average, jumped three spots to 12th on bars with a 48.830 average, moved up four spots on beam to 14th (48.565) and remained 11th on floor (48.940).
Mike’s Eye On The Tigers
Here’s what I will be watching for tonight when LSU hosts Texas Woman’s:
196.500+ for the Tigers tonight – building off last week’s 196.475.
But will the snow mean a small crowd and less enthusiasm in the Maravich Center? The Tigers must create their own energy.
TWU to use a lot of gymnasts – 12 have scored in two or more events this season and the Pioneers use up to 16 overall.
Susan Jackson to set a new school record for all-around crowns to open a season.
Summer Hubbard to have a great meet. She was a couple of stuck landings away from having a breakout meet last week. She’s shown steady improvement the last few meets.
Will the Tigers look fresh or be ripe for a letdown after the Alabama meet? After a good week in the gym, expect them to hit well tonight.
It’s “Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez” night in the Maravich Center. Come catch some throws and have a great time with us.
Until next week, GEAUX TIGERS!
Mike
Vol. 2, Issue 7
February 7, 2010
The LSU gymnastics team gave its best collective effort of the season last night in the Maravich Center as the 12th-ranked Tigers upset No. 1 Alabama by nearly a half-point. The victory was the first for LSU over a No. 1 ranked team since 2002 when the Tigers knocked off No. 1 Utah and followed that up the next week by beating No. 4 Alabama. LSU defeated Alabama last season in Tuscaloosa for the first time since 1976.
With thanks to Scott Hotard of The Advocate for his great coverage of the meet in Saturday morning’s Baton Rouge paper, I’d beg to differ on the headline. Yes, Susan Jackson had her career-best meet as an LSU Tiger (39.725 all-around which included two 9.950 scores). However, the most important headline from the meet is the complete team effort that went into, and resulted in, such an impressive victory.
Alabama Head Coach Sarah Patterson’s post-meet comments painted the picture very accurately. “It was apparent from the moment we walked into the arena that LSU was on a mission, and the target was clearly on our back. Their coaching staff remarked that they had not had a great performance this season and tonight they were outstanding and I give credit to them and their coaching staff,” she said.
A classy statement from a coach that clearly recognized the difference between an LSU team that struggled to a 195.050 score last week at Florida and the one we saw Friday night in Baton Rouge.
So what changed? First, the Tiger coaching staff revamped several practice procedures in the gym over the past week and, at the same time, renewed their commitment to helping this shorthanded 2010 Tiger team reach its goals. Second, the four LSU seniors were grouped together throughout the week’s practices in an effort to foster the leadership required from each of them down the stretch run of this season. Third, the coaching staff decided to allow each of the injured Tigers to dress-out and help cheer teammates throughout the meet – a subtle move that went a long way toward fostering a better team chemistry and camaraderie.
The results speak for themselves:
* The Tigers counted zero falls in the meet.
* First time this season the Tigers hit 49+ on each event.
* Senior Susan Jackson recorded her third 9.95 on vault this season.
* Senior Summer Hubbard set a new career high on vault with a 9.80.
* Sophomore Gloria Johnson tied her career high on vault with a 9.90.
* Junior Sam Engle tied her season high on bars with a 9.85.
* Susan Jackson tied her season high on bars with a 9.925.
* Freshman Shelby Prunty set a new season high on bars with a 9.775.
* Senior Sabrina Franceschelli went second on beam with a season-high 9.80, which propelled LSU to a season-high 49.050.
* Gloria Johnson set a new season high on beam with a 9.80
* Senior Kayla Rogers set the tone on the floor exercise with a lead-off 9.875.
* Sabrina Franceschelli breaking the 39-point barrier in the all-around for the third time this season.
D-D Breaux was quoted after the meet. “A win like this does so much to validate how we are training and what we are doing in preparation for the end of the season. It is all about getting to the end of the season healthy, and we are really excited to be at this middle point of our season and turn the corner on a real positive note.”
Certainly LSU relies heavily on Susan Jackson for big scores. And she is very deserving of the accolades that are showered upon her. But she cannot do it alone. Team efforts like the one the Tigers posted Friday night against Alabama prove that this team has the talent and desire to make it back to the NCAA Championships later this season. But as is the great conundrum of sports, it’s not possible to make it all the way by focusing on outcomes. To ultimately be successful, teams must focus on each individual routine on each apparatus at each meet of the season.
To that end, the 2010 LSU Tigers turned an important corner last night.
Vol. 2, Issue 6
February 5, 2010
Tonight’s Southeastern Conference gymnastics meet in the Maravich Center has all the makings of a great one. So, right off the bat, let me encourage you to get your tickets and meet us at 7:00 p.m. Here’s why:
Reason #1
Alabama holds the No. 1 national ranking again this week, and it’s well deserved. The Crimson Tide rank in the Top five on each event and hold an average team score of 196.458. Coach Sarah Patterson’s club is the only NCAA team to break 197 points in a meet this season.
Reason #2
Tonight will mark the first time in three years since LSU faced the No. 1 ranked team in a dual meet. In 2007, the Tigers hosted No. 1 Florida. It was a shootout of epic proportions with both teams scoring over 197 points. The Gators prevailed by less than two-tenths of a point.
Reason #3
Tonight’s meet features six gymnasts ranked in the Top 50 nationally in the all-around – something usually not seen until the post-season. In short, there will be amazing gymnastics talent, on both sides, all across the gym tonight.
Reason #4
The LSU Tigers moved up one spot in the rankings this week to No. 12. The Tigers rank within the Top 20 on each event, including a No. 10 ranking on the vault.
Reason #5
The top two all-around gymnasts square off in an LSU dual meet. LSU’s Susan Jackson, winner of four straight all-around titles, is ranked No. 1 and goes head-to-head against Alabama’s second-ranked Morgan Dennis, who holds the nation’s best all-around score this season.
Reason #6
LSU will recognize two-time National Champion Ashleigh Clare-Kearney for her achievements. Last season, the Manchester, Conn., native won the vault and floor exercise titles at the NCAA Championships and became LSU’s first two-time champion. Tonight, fans will have the opportunity to view her name added to a banner hanging in the rafters of the Maravich Center and to receive a voucher for an ACK bobble-head doll, which will be distributed at a meet later this season.
Jackson In Rare Air
To borrow a phrase from LSU SID Jake Terry in this week’s pre-meet notes, LSU’s Susan Jackson has joined an exclusive group of LSU gymnasts by winning the first four all-around titles of the 2010 season. Only twice before has an LSU Tiger gymnast accomplished this feat. Sandra Smith holds the record with five consecutive all-around titles to open the 1980 season while Jeanie Beadle won four in a row to start the 1978 campaign. Beadle went on to win the national beam title later that same year, becoming LSU’s first-ever national champion.
Where’s The Love?
If you’re a frequent reader of Talkin’ 10’s you know that I’m not one to “pick a fight.” But this week? Not so much.
Can someone explain to me why LSU’s Susan Jackson has not won the SEC Gymnast of the Week Award so far this season? She’s led the nation in the all-around for three weeks straight and has won four titles in a row (see previous story Birmingham).
Furthermore, along with her fellow Tigers, Jackson competed in front of 9,200 Florida fans last week against another one of the country’s best gymnasts and still won the all-around.
Each of this year’s weekly winners is deserving – so this criticism is not leveled at them. But come on….
Garcia Debut Pushed Back
The much-anticipated debut of freshman Ericka Garcia has been pushed back one week to February 19 when LSU travels to Arkansas.
Mike’s Eye On The Tigers
Here’s what I will be watching for tonight when LSU hosts Alabama:
– Another great matchup of the nation’s top two all-arounders. LSU’s senior All-American Susan Jackson against Alabama’s Morgan Dennis. Can Susan win her fifth AA title in a row?
– LSU’s senior class will once again be called upon to hit big for the Tigers. Jackson, Sabrina Franceschelli, Summer Hubbard and Kayla Rogers need to step up tonight. If they do, LSU can pull another upset of the Tide.
– Samantha Engle to follow up nice performances on floor and beam last Friday at Florida with solid scores this week on three events. She returns to the bars lineup tonight after a one-week hiatus.
This should be a great show tonight in the Maravich Center. We look forward to seeing you there.
Until next week, GEAUX TIGERS!
Mike
Vol. 2, Issue 5
January 29, 2010
The LSU Tigers are in Gainesville ready to take on the Florida Gators tonight at 6 p.m. Central Time. The O’Connell Center should be rocking tonight as Florida expects a large crowd to attend the Gators annual “pink” meet to raise money and awareness in the fight against breast cancer.
Tonight is also a great opportunity for the Tigers to compete in the location of the 2010 National Championships, which Florida hosts in April. But, first things first. Tonight is a chance for LSU to face a top SEC opponent and continue its methodical improvement. The Tigers have improved their overall team score each week this season and are poised to do that once again tonight.
However, the Tigers are once again faced with the bite of the injury bug. Junior Sam Engle will be held out of tonight’s bars lineup with an abdominal injury. She will compete on floor and beam. This means two freshmen will enter the bars lineup for the first time this season. Shelby Prunty will be second for the Tigers on bars while Janelle Garcia will be in the No. 6 spot.
Tigers Up Another Three Spots In Rankings This Week
The Tigers continue their steady climb up the rankings this week checking in at No. 13 (195.125 average). The vault and floor teams are ranked 11th-best nationally this week with an average score of 49.025 and 48.925, respectively. LSU remains 13th on bars this week with a 48.808 average and climbs to 18th on balance beam with a 48.367 average.
Overall, Alabama replaced Oklahoma as the nation’s No. 1-ranked team. All seven of the SEC’s gymnastics teams are ranked in the Top 15 this week.
Injury Report
Kaleigh Dickson (knee cap surgery) – out for the season
Samantha Engle (abdominal injury) – out of bars lineup, but will compete floor and beam against Florida
Lainie Fleming (hand/wrist surgery) – out indefinitely
Ericka Garcia (eligibility issue) – should debut February 12 against Texas Woman’s in the Maravich Center
Janelle Garcia (sprained ankle) – day-to-day; Should compete against Florida
Nikki Lyons (sprained ankle) – out two to three weeks
Bob Moore (emergency root canal) – back from the dental chair just in time for the team plane and trip to Gainesville
Tonight’s Probable Tiger Lineups
Bars
Sabrina Franceschelli
Shelby Prunty
Kayla Rogers
Summer Hubbard
Susan Jackson
Janelle Garcia
Vault
Kayla Rogers
Sabrina Franceschelli
Ashley Lee
Summer Hubbard
Gloria Johnson
Susan Jackson
Shelby Prunty – alternate
Floor Exercise
Kayla Rogers
Sabrina Franceschelli
Ashley Lee
Summer Hubbard
Samantha Engle
Susan Jackson
Gloria Johnson – exhibition
Beam
Shelby Prunty
Sabrina Franceschelli
Gloria Johnson
Summer Hubbard
Samantha Engle
Susan Jackson
Kayla Rogers – exhibition
Mike’s Eye On The Tigers
Here’s what I will be watching for tonight when Florida hosts LSU:
A great matchup of individual talents. LSU’s senior All-American Susan Jackson against Florida freshman phenomena Ashanée Dickerson. Dickerson has won the SEC Freshman of the Week award two weeks in a row while Jackson leads the nation in the all-around. Both ladies have won the all-around title three straight weeks to open the season, so something has to give tonight.
How do the LSU freshmen perform in a loud, energetic environment tonight against the Gators?
Kayla Rogers to lead off vault and floor with another set of strong scores. When she hits, the Tigers usually follow.
Sabrina Franceschelli and Summer Hubbard to both hit above 39.000 in the all-around.
Don’t forget to tune in tonight LIVE in the Geaux Zone at 5:55 p.m. Central Time as we call all the action from the O’Connell Center in Gainesville. Two-time national champion Ashleigh Clare-Kearney will join Paige Cipolloni and me on the broadcast.
Until next week, GEAUX TIGERS!
Mike
Vol. 2, Issue 4
January 25, 2010
After scoring a season-high 195.650 on Friday night against Auburn, the LSU gymnastics team starts this new week three spots higher in the national rankings. After spending consecutive weeks at No. 16, the Tigers check in at No. 13 this week. At this point in the season, national rankings are a rolling average of the team’s overall scores.
Senior All-American Susan Jackson continues to lead the nation in the individual all-around with a 39.475 average. That’s nearly a tenth better than Stanford’s Carly Janiga. Jackson ranks seventh nationally on the vault, sixth on bars, 22nd on balance beam and 10th on the floor exercise. She is a perfect 3-for-3 in the all-around so far.
In short, Susan Jackson is carrying LSU at this early point in the season. With only nine healthy gymnasts in Friday’s march in, Head Coach D-D Breaux has taken the conservative approach toward many individual routines as the Tigers can ill-afford another injury. This is the correct strategy when considering the length of the season.
Many LSU gymnastics observers have noted the patient tone that Breaux has taken with her team so far this season. By her own admission, patience is not her greatest virtue. But her 33 years of experience is demonstrating itself – helping her to balance senior leadership, four key injuries causing thin lineups and developing freshman talent all at the same time.
A Look Back At Lady Luck and Auburn
For those of you who have emailed after the Lady Luck Invitational in Las Vegas, here’s the answer. Yes, the Tigers should’ve won the meet. With no disrespect to the other three teams, LSU had superior talent across the board. However, as happens in gymnastics, teams must be consistent across each apparatus to be successful.
On vault and bars in Las Vegas LSU looked unstoppable. The Tigers rolled to a 1.6 lead (that’s 16 tenths for you decimal lovers) at the half-way point of the meet. But LSU took its collective foot off the gas and lost concentration on the balance beam, counting a fall and two other shaky routines. The net result: lead cut in half heading into Rotation 4, floor exercise.
The first two performers on the floor were hit for major technical deductions (2 tenths each) effectively evaporating the Tigers’ lead in the meet. Meanwhile, credit Missouri and Kentucky for smelling blood in the water and not throwing in the towel earlier in the meet while LSU was well ahead.
Sunday was a travel day from the Pacific Time Zone, and the new week brought the start of the spring semester. Auburn came into the Maravich Center on Friday night just a shade off two enormous upsets against archrival Alabama to open the season and then-No. 1 Oklahoma.
The LSU Tigers showed tremendous character to bounce back from Las Vegas with a season-high 195.650. Auburn, meanwhile, looked more like a team that needed a night off as those Tigers limped to a disappointing 193.900.
Shining in the Auburn meet were Susan Jackson (won/tied all five titles), Summer Hubbard (career-high all-around score of 39.100), Kayla Rogers (9.90 on floor to tie for the title), Gloria Johnson (tied for third on balance beam after falling at Las Vegas), and Sabrina Franceschelli (solid 39.100 all-around score).
Injury Report
Kaleigh Dickson (knee cap surgery) – will redshirt the 2010 season
Lainie Fleming (hand/wrist surgery) – out indefinitely
Ericka Garcia (eligibility issue) – debuts February 12 against Texas Woman’s in the Maravich Center
Janelle Garcia (sprained ankle) – day-to-day
Nikki Lyons (sprained ankle) – out three to four weeks
Look Ahead
Later this week we will have a complete look ahead at the Tigers first SEC road meet at Florida.
Vol. 2, Issue 3
Greetings from the world capital of glitz and glamour – Las Vegas, Nevada! The LSU Tigers gymnastics team has trekked to the Great Southwest Desert to take on three teams in tonight’s Lady Luck Invitational.
Tonight’s meet is taking place inside the large exhibit hall attached to the South Point Hotel and Casino just off Las Vegas Boulevard and just a short distance from the famed Las Vegas Strip. The cavernous exhibit hall, some 150,000+ square feet, has been turned into not one, but four separate gymnasiums – each with a set of uneven bars, a floor exercise, vault and two balance beams.
The Tigers joined Missouri and Kentucky at a late afternoon workout yesterday inside the facility. Arizona State, a late Thursday arrival, elected to workout into the evening hours.
LSU looked remarkably relaxed and confident in yesterday’s workout. The Tigers, along with the nice contingent of purple and gold fans on hand, made lots of noise inside the exhibit hall. While Kentucky took it in stride, Missouri seemed rattled by the high-energy output.
Only nine LSU gymnasts made the trip to Las Vegas on Wednesday. The injury bug reared its ugly head on Tuesday as Nikki Lyons suffered a severely sprained ankle on a bars dismount. This was not the same ankle that required multiple surgeries to repair over last season. Lyons remained in Baton Rouge to received twice-daily treatments in the hopes of returning to the lineup in the next month.
Lyons returned to the lineup in last week’s season opener after missing the entire 2009 campaign. She was making slow but steady progress on bars and vault prior to this new injury.
A Look Back At Maryland
At first glance, the LSU Tigers season opening performance a week ago might seem, well, weak to the casual gymnastics observer. After all, a team score of 194.375 is not something home crowds are used to seeing. However, looking back at opening meets over the past few years, this score compared favorably to other first-meet scores – a reflection of Head Coach D-D Breaux‘s strategy of building routines slowly and steadily throughout any given season.
Senior Susan Jackson got her season off to a flying start against the Terrapins. Jackson won three individual events including bars, floor and the all-around giving her 32 career titles overall. Her 39.275 in all four events was good enough for fifth best in the country last week.
Other highlights of the meet were courtesy of senior Kayla Rogers who opened up 2010 in strong fashion. The Liberty, Mo., native scored 9.80 or better in each of the three events she competed. Summer Hubbard’s 9.80 paced the Tigers on beam while the floor exercise team combined for a 48.975 which was fourth best in the country last week.
Lady Luck Lineups
With only nine gymnasts available for tonight’s meet, the LSU lineup will have a decidedly youthful feel to it. Sophomore Ashley Lee gets her first-ever call on floor exercise while freshmen Shelby Prunty and Janelle Garcia see significant action.
Prunty will replace Lyons on the vault team and Garcia will exhibition on three events – bars, beam and floor. Here’s the remainder of the Tiger’s lineup for tonight’s Lady Luck Invitational. LSU will begin on vault and end on floor.
Vault
Kayla Rogers
Sabrina Franceschelli
Ashley Lee
Summer Hubbard
Gloria Johnson
Susan Jackson
Shelby Prunty – alternate
Bars
Sabrina Franceschelli
Kayla Rogers
Samantha Engle
Summer Hubbard
Susan Jackson
Shelby Prunty
Janelle Garcia – exhibition
Beam
Gloria Johnson
Shelby Prunty
Samantha Engle
Sabrina Franceschelli
Summer Hubbard
Susan Jackson
Janelle Garcia – exhibition
Floor
Kayla Rogers
Ashley Lee
Sabrina Franceschelli
Summer Hubbard
Samantha Engle
Susan Jackson
Janelle Garcia – exhibition
Injury Report
Kaleigh Dickson (knee cap surgery) – likely will redshirt the 2010 season
Lainie Fleming (hand/wrist surgery) – out indefinitely
Ericka Garcia (eligibility) – scheduled to see first action on February 12 against Texas Woman’s in the Maravich Center
Nikki Lyons (sprained ankle) – out three to four weeks
Tonight’s Meet
If history is a guide, LSU should have little trouble winning tonight’s meet. The Tigers have a combined record of 93-17 against the three other teams in the 2010 Lady Luck Invitational.
However, history, by definition, is a thing of the past. With such a thin lineup that will rely on freshmen in key situations, a win is far from certain tonight for the 16th-ranked Tigers.
Kentucky is a much-improved team and program under the guidance of Mo Mitchell. Look for the Gym Kats’ top three performers to pace Kentucky tonight – Andrea Mitchell, Hillary Ferguson and Jasmine Minion. Kentucky comes in ranked 14th on the strength of last week’s score of 194.850.
Look for Missouri to compete four all-arounders tonight. Last week, these Tigers found significant success against Ohio State with Mary Burke, Danielle Guider, Sarah Shire, and Lauren Swankoski in the all-around. Missouri’s score of 194.725 last week is good enough for a No. 15 ranking in the polls this week.
Tonight’s meet serves as the season opener for Arizona State. Head coach John Spini begins his 30th year guiding the Gym Devils. He will call upon his talented junior Mary Atkinson to score big all season long. Just like LSU, Arizona State is forced to cover a significant injury to Beate Jones with freshman help. It’s possible we’ll see three freshmen and a transfer performing for the first time on the collegiate level tonight for Arizona State.
Twitter!
There will be no live scoring for tonight’s meet, so be sure to sign up for LSU Gymnastics tweets on Twitter.com/lsugym. LSU SID Jake Terry will be sending out tweets to update Tigers fans on superlative individual performances, team scores after each rotation, and, of course, the final team and individual scores upon completion of the meet.
Mike’s Eye On The Tigers
Here are a few things I will be looking for tonight in Las Vegas:
A relaxed and confident Tiger team that has found unity in its small group. Will the swagger follow?
An injury-free meet for everyone – a must coming out of this meet
Janelle Garcia competing as an exhibition gymnast in three events. A good showing tonight could lead to an even larger role for this freshman later in the season.
Three Tigers (Jackson, Franceschelli, Hubbard) to score a combined 117 or better in the all-around. That’s an average of 39.000 or better for each individual. Scores like this will take significant pressure off the rest of the youthful lineup.
Please join us live in the Geaux Zone at 9 p.m. Central Time for our first broadcast of the 2010 season. Jewel Fourrier will once again join me in the booth as we bring you all the action from Las Vegas.
GEAUX TIGERS!
MikeVol. 2, Issue 2
January 8, 2010
Tonight marks the kick-off of the 2010 LSU Gymnastics season as the Tigers welcome Maryland to the Maravich Center at 7 p.m. And while the weather outside is more Maryland-like this second Friday of January, LSU officially begins its quest for a third-straight bid to the Super Six later in April.
Head Coach D-D Breaux begins her 33rd year of coaching the Tigers tonight. With 562 wins to her credit, not only is she the longest serving Head Coach in LSU history, she is on a very short list of coaches with over 30 years of tenure at any school – in any sport. This summer Coach Breaux was elected to the Region 8 Gymnastics Hall of Fame, an honor that is well deserved.
LSU carries a No. 6 preseason ranking into tonight’s meet, which is the highest preseason ranking the Tigers have received since 1989 – the year rankings were first published.
But much has happened within the program during the off-season and in the days leading up to tonight’s meet to cause that lofty ranking to be called into question, even by the coach herself. In recent days, the Tigers have suffered two significant injuries to gymnasts who were to be counted on to score this year. And, the international superstar who was finally cleared to attend LSU is sitting on the sidelines for the first several weeks of the season.
However, as gymnastics fans know, rankings don’t mean much at this point in the season. It’s down the stretch run, during the months of March and April, that the Tigers must find their top form.
In the meantime, as D-D put it this week, “We’re hoping to take good lemons and make good lemonade.” I think this will definitely be the case for the first few meets this season.
Senior Leadership Will Make The Difference In 2010
LSU returns four NCAA All-Americans from last year’s Super Six squad. Sabrina Franceschelli, Summer Hubbard, Susan Jackson and Kayla Rogers are seniors this year, and the success of this year’s squad rests squarely upon their collective shoulders.
Susan Jackson won the National Championship in the vault in 2008 and finished runner-up to 2009 Champion and teammate Ashleigh Clare-Kearney last season. Event for event, Susan is among the elite collegiate gymnasts and has rightfully inherited the mantle of “flagship” gymnast of this LSU team from Clare-Kearney.
There are few, if any, weaknesses in her routines. As she would readily admit, miscues – when they happen – are almost never physical. Focus and mental toughness will be key for her this season. Remaining sharp and injury free after four years of collegiate gymnastics should result in another set of podium appearances for Susan Jackson at this year’s NCAA Championships. When and if that happens, she will assume her place among the greatest athletes in LSU gymnastics history.
Sabrina Franceschelli was one of the Tigers most consistent performers in 2009. She finished second on the team last season on both bars and beam. In the final 5 meets of the season, she posted 4 scores of 9.80 or better including a pair of 9.85’s in the NCAA Championships.
As the team’s number two all-arounder coming into 2010, Sabrina will be counted on to score at the highest level of her career to date. Look for her to become a key player in the team’s success as the season progresses.
Summer Hubbard enters her final season as a Tiger in brand new territory – that of all-around gymnast. A First-Team All-American on bars the past two seasons, Hubbard enters 2010 with the Tigers relying on her in all four events. In her first three years at LSU, Summer has worked mostly bars, beam and, last season, added floor exercise.
Her vault will continue to grow in difficulty throughout the season. The Tigers will count on her to do so as her vault score will be integral to the vault team’s success this season.
Kayla Rogers, in my opinion, is one of the most important gymnasts on this year’s team. Last season, she led off vault and floor for the Tigers in every meet. She was extremely consistent over the course of the season, suffering falls only once per event all season. She has 9.90 or better ability on those events each meet.
If Kayla can help the Tigers with solid bars and beam scores, when needed this season, it will go a long way toward helping LSU reach the postseason for the 26th year in a row.
Others Who Can Deliver Important Scores For LSU
Along with Summer Hubbard, Sam Engle is one of the best bars workers in the nation. For the Tigers to make a successful run this year, it will be critical for Sam to compete at a high level on both the beam and floor – 9.85 or better each time out on both events.
One of the five scoring positions on vault this season should go to sophomore Ashley Lee. She has worked hard over the off-season to develop this, her premier event. If she can be consistent throughout the season, her vault score should provide a “safety valve” for the vault team, when needed.
Nikki Lyons makes her return to the Tigers lineup for the first time in two seasons. Out all of last season with a stubborn broken ankle, this redshirt sophomore should make a strong return on vault and beam for LSU. As she returns to form and stays injury-free in 2010, expect her to be worked into the bars lineup as well.
It’s A Fresh-man World
LSU has 5 members of the 2010 freshman class, and what an important class it is. Over the course of this season, don’t be surprised if a freshman is called upon to deliver a counting score in each event of each meet. But which new gymnasts will survive the rigors of a collegiate season?
Kaleigh Dickson (Oldsmar, Florida) suffered a freak knee accident that required surgery this past week. She chipped a bone in her knee that required a screw to repair it. Conservatively out for eight to nine weeks, expect to see Kaleigh redshirt this season.
Lainie Fleming (Glendale, California) was expected to compete for a spot in the bars lineup this season. However, a broken wrist has sidelined her for several weeks.
Ericka Garcia (Mexico City, Mexico) is an international elite gymnast who is expected to make a major impact in each event lineup. However, due to an NCAA ruling, she will not be able to compete until the middle of this season.
The remaining freshmen, Janelle Garcia and Shelby Prunty will take time to develop during the season. Garcia and Prunty are coming off an injury that limited their gymnastics during their final year of high school.
Tonight’s Meet
LSU is 5-0 against Maryland over the years. These teams last competed against each other in 2003, with the Terps last visit to Baton Rouge coming in 1989.
While the meet begins one coach’s 33rd season, it also marks the first-ever for Maryland coach Brett Nelligan. He takes over for his father, Bob, who coached the Terrapins for over 30 years. Maryland will also debut five new gymnasts tonight. However, Maryland is a senior-laden club (six) and returns 12 letterwinners from last season’s team which earned a berth in an NCAA Regional meet.
One of the new Maryland gymnasts is junior Jennifer Iovino who left Alabama to return home to her home state. This will be her first meet since transferring. Look for freshman Kesley Cofsky to compete well for the Terrapins tonight as well.
There are all sorts of great promotions tonight in the Maravich Center. Yes, it will be cold outside, but inside, Tiger Concessions will give away free hot chocolate at tonight’s meet. Also, the first 500 fans get a free Super Tiger Fan T-shirt. The LSU Cheerleaders and the Tiger Girls will showcase their national championship routines tonight as well.
Twitter!
LSU gymnastics has gone social! Logon to Twitter to become a follower of LSU Gymnastics. The Tigers Twitter handle is LSUgym. Become a follower today!
Mike’s Eye On The Tigers
Here are a few things I will be looking for tonight against Maryland:
A solid start to the season for LSU’s fantastic four seniors.
An injury-free meet, and season, for Nikki Lyons in her return from a 2008 broken ankle.
A better sense as to the No. 5 and No. 6 gymnast on each event for the first few meets this season. This is a real question mark right now.
A strong home-opener crowd that will brave the elements to come salute the debut of their back-to-back Super Six Tigers.
Live video from tonight’s meet is available in the Geaux Zone beginning at 7 p.m. You still have time to grab a ticket and come on out to the Maravich Center this evening. See you there!
GEAUX TIGERS
Mike
Vol. 2, Issue 1
Jan. 1, 2010
For the second straight year, Mike Smith, the “Voice of LSU Gymnastics,” will bring Tiger fans a weekly blog – Talkin’ 10’s – that will cover all the ins and outs of LSU’s nationally-ranked gymnastics team that is coming off back-to-back NCAA Super Six appearances.
Happy New Year everyone!
With the first LSU gymnastics meet of the season just one week away, it’s time to kick off another year of Talkin’ 10’s. In the spirit of this final New Year’s Eve (as I write this) of this decade, I thought it would be appropriate to look back at the Top 10 moments in LSU gymnastics over the past 10 seasons.
It certainly wasn’t an easy task to choose just 10 (well, 12 if you count ties). That’s because the past 10 years have been, without question, the best in the history of Tiger gymnastics. So, without further ado, let’s take a look back at the best gymnastics moments from 2000 through 2009!
Moment #10
February 22, 2008 at The Maravich Center
Alabama 196.300
LSU 196.125
“First Etta James Memorial Meet; Record Home Attendance Helps Raise Huge Dollars To Fight Cancer”
Moment #9
April 6, 2002 at The Maravich Center
“LSU Scores 196.450 To Win Central Regional, Advances To First NCAA Championship In The Decade”
Moment #8
April 20, 2002 at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
“Nicki Arnstad Wins NCAA Floor Exercise Title, First Individual Title In Modern LSU Gym History”
Moment #7
April 26, 2008 at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens, Ga.
“Susan Jackson Wins NCAA Vault Title”
Moment #6 (tie)
April 18, 2009 at The Devaney Center in Lincoln, Neb.
“Ashleigh Clare-Kearney Makes History, Earns Two NCAA Titles In One Meet”
Moment #6 (tie)
April 22, 2006 at Gill Coliseum in Corvallis, Ore.
“Burkholder Caps Stellar Career; Wins NCAA Beam Title, Places In All 4 Events”
Moment #5
February 18, 2005 at the Maravich Center
LSU 196.375
Georgia 195.725
“Tigers End 18-year Home Drought Against GymDogs”
Moment #4 (tie)
March 11, 2005 at John Hammons Arena in Tulsa, Okla.
LSU 197.850
Oklahoma 195.750
“Tigers Set Highest Team Score In School History; Burkholder Hits Two 10.0s”
Moment #4 (tie)
February 29, 2008 at The Maravich Center
LSU 197.775
Michigan St. 196.200
“Tigers Set Highest Home Score During The Decade; Clare-Kearney Hits Two Perfect 10.0s”
Moment #3
February 13, 2009 at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
LSU 196.625
Alabama 195.750
“Tigers Dominate Tide, Beat Bama in Tuscaloosa For First Time In 33 years”
Moment #2
April 24, 2008 at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens, Ga.
“The LSU Tigers Earn First Super Six Berth In Athens”
Moment #1
April 16, 2009 at The Devaney Center in Lincoln, Neb.
“Gutsy Comeback Propels Tigers To Second Super Six; Six Gymnasts Earn All-America Honors”
January 15, 2010