Temple University Athletics
WOMEN'S GYMNASTICS 2002 OUTLOOK
12.13.01 | Women's Gymnastics
"Last season's team could have been a very good but injuries got in the way," said head coach Ken Anderson. "We have only lost one competing senior and have added some freshman that will bring both talent and depth to the squad."
The strongest event is once again expected to be the floor exercise. The Owls season average in the event was 47.1519 last year. Of the eight returning letterwinners who competed on floor, the lowest season-high among them was 9.175 and four returnees tallied season-bests of 9.60 or better. Seniors Maggie Tolerico, a co-captain and academic All-American, and returning team M.V.P. Cicely Warrington lead the charge on floor. Tolerico and Warrington, referred to as the "team's cornerstones" by Anderson registered season-highs of 9.825 and 9.850, respectively, in the event last season. Senior Danielle Sroczyk specializes in floor exercise and earned the team's "Most Improved Gymnast " award for her efforts in that area last season. Senior Kiva Williamson is also expected to contribute on floor.
The key to a potential turnaround, however, may very well depend on the Owls' vaulting. Juniors Andrea McGary, a team co-captain, and Brynne Hillman have been the most productive in the event. McGary recorded a team-best 9.70 and Hillman posted a 9.50 on vault last season.
"Vaulting has been somewhat of a weak event for us in recent years," said Anderson. "With some of the freshmen we have brought in and alterations to the vaults of some upper classmen, I think we have the potential to break the school record in that area this year."
Uneven bars is an event of concern entering the season. With senior Catherine Patton still improving from a season-ending injury, sophomore Paige Ozaroski is the torch-bearer in the event. Ozaroski posted a team-best 9.775 on bars last season.
"We're standard on bars," said Anderson. "We don't have a lot in terms of high value movements. We're focusing on our ability to complete good, solid routines."
Balance beam should be a very strong event for the Owls. Senior Deven Miller and sophomore Jennifer Beaver have provided the Owls with consistency. They are two of several Owls who can succeed and excel in the event with some added confidence.
Four much anticipated recruits are set to make their debuts this winter as potential all-arounders. Cheryl Cerminaro (Wall, N.J.), Erin Davis (Newark, Del.), Erika Messa (Lansdale, Pa.) and Alexis Zafferis (Needham, Mass.) will be looked upon to not only provide depth but to increase the team's consistency. Amy Pinkerton, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, will also see her first collegiate action.
