March 20, 2006
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This Week
The University of Iowa women’s gymnastics team will travel to East Lansing, MI, for the Big Ten Championships. The competition will be held at Jenison Field House on the Michigan State University campus and is set to begin at 5 p.m. (CST).
Scouting The Big Ten
Michigan is first in the Big Ten standings, and seventh nationally with an average score of 195.972. Penn State follows, ranked 16th nationally, averaging 195.042 while Minnesota is third in the Big Ten and 21st nationally with a 194.170 average. Illinois and Michigan State are 27th and 29th nationally, respectively, and post averages of 193.198 and 193.137. Ohio State and Iowa are at the bottom of the Big Ten standings. Ohio State is 31st nationally, averaging 192.647 and Iowa is ranked 34th, with a 192.185 average.
Last Time At Big Ten Championships
Iowa hosted the Big Ten Championships last year and finished sixth with a score of 193.0. Kortny Williamson tied for eighth on vault with a 9.825 and was the top GymHawk on beam, finishing 19th with a 9.725. Annie Rue tied for ninth on bars with a 9.825 while Beth Dilick tied for 14th with a 9.775 and Romina Mazzoni tied for 16th with a 9.75.
Last Competition
No. 34 Iowa lost to No. 4 Iowa State last weekend in Ames. Danielle Legeai had the highest placing for the Hawkeyes, tying for first on beam with a 9.925. The score was also the Hawkeyes’ highest beam score this season. In addition, senior Liz Grajewski had a season best on floor with a 9.9. Iowa also had two season best team event scores against Iowa State, with a 48.9 on beam and 48.95 on floor.
Head Coach Larissa Libby
Larissa Libby is in her second season as head coach for the Hawkeyes. In her first year, Libby recorded an 8-14 record. Before becoming head coach, Libby was Iowa’s associate head coach for one year and an assistant coach three seasons. While associate head coach, Libby led the GymHawks to a school record 49.425 beam performance in 2004. In addition, in 2004 the GymHawks recorded a 49.0 or higher seven times on beam under Libby’s guidance.