Stakes High For 1987 Women's Gymnastics Championships By Michele Merrill he chips will be stacked in favor of Greg Marsden and his Lady Utes as they attempt to capture their seventh consecutive title at the 1987 NCAA Women's Gymnastics Championships in
Salt Lake City, April 2526 . At least three other teams have been dealt strong hands and are willing to raise the stakes to give Utah a run for its money. There is no denying Marsden's hand poses a serious threat. Back are seven gymnasts from last year's championship team including four All-America gymnasts, seniors Sandy Sabotka and TIna Hennann and juniors Lynne Lederer and Cheryl Weatherstone. Graduation claimed strong all-arounder Lisa Mitzel and a back injury forced Lisa McVay into early retirement. These voids were not left unfilled, however, as Marsden added five new faces to the team in what he deemed "an excellent
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Utah hopes to capture its seventh NCAA crown with the help of Kris Takahashi. (USGF photo).
recruiting year." He picked up four elite gymnasts, Nicole Trewitt, Michelle Hilse, Kris Takahashi and Jill Stuart , and Linda Elstun-Wood, a senior transfer from Oklahoma State. When reflecting on his victory at the 1986 NCAA Championships, Marsden says, ''We weren't the most talented team on the floor, only four of our gymnasts qualified for the individual event finals. We won because we hit 24 out of 24 routines. "We're stronger and have more talent this year," Marsden boasts. ''If we can add more difficulty and not compromise our execution and consistency, I feel we will be even more competitive."
The home gym advantage is another factor in Utah's favor. "Our fan support is excellent," said Marsden. "It's exciting to have the opportunity to win in front of the people who support you." That fan support is the reason the NCAA Championships have been held at Utah four out of the last six years and will return again in 1987 and 1988. The luck ofthe draw left Georgia Coach Suzanne Yoculan with virtually the same team which
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finished fourth at last year's Championships. The Lady 'Dogs are led by five All-America gymnasts including Gina Ba nales , Terri Eckert, Paula Maheu, Julie Klick (the defending Southeastern Conference All-Around Champion) and Lucy Wener (1986 NCAA Uneven Bar Champion). They will be joined by an outstanding pair of freffiunen, CorrinneVVright and Andrea Thomas. Wright, a member of the USGF Senior National Team, was the bronze medal winner on vault in
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