March 1, 2010
- Iowa and the Big Ten Network
- Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch (2009-10 season)
- Download your Iowa Hawkeye iPhone app!
This Week
The University of Iowa women’s gymnastics team will kick off a busy weekend March 5 when they travel to Ames, IA, to take on the Cyclones. The meet will be held in Hilton Coliseum and is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. (CT). The Black & Gold will then host Southern Utah March 7, in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The meet is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. (CT).
Scouting the Cyclones
Iowa State, currently 6-5, is coming off a 195.475-195.200 win over Minnesota. Michelle Browing led the Cyclones as she won the all-around title with a score of 39.350. The sophomore also posted a 9.925 on floor, which ties the 13th-highest score in program history. This will be the second time Iowa takes on the Cyclones this season. Iowa State won the 194.475-193.825 decision in their first meeting.
Scouting the Thunderbirds
Southern Utah suffered its first defeat of the season with a 196.100-195.425 loss to Boise State Feb. 26. Senior Elise Wheeler led the Thunderbird effort, winning her seventh consecutive all-around title with a score of 39.550. After a second place finish on vault (9.900), the senior took first on bars (48.150), beam (48.850) and floor (9.875).
Senior Day
Sunday’s meet will also showcase Iowa men’s gymnastics, as both teams honor their respective senior athletes. The GymHawk’s lone senior is Jenny Donar. The Cuba City, WI, native is a four-year letterwinner who specializes on floor for the Hawkeyes. She has also been selected as a member of the academic all-Big Ten team the last two seasons.
Head Coach Larissa Libby
Entering her sixth season at Iowa, Larissa Libby has a career record of 45-51-1. She was named North Central Region Coach of the Year in 2009 for her efforts in guiding the GymHawks to a 10-5 record and a sixth-place finish at the NCAA Regionals. She was also named co-Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2008. Libby served as associate head coach in 2004 and assistant coach from 2001-03 at Iowa before being named head coach in 2005.
Next Competition
The Hawkeyes will return to action March 12 when they travel to Baton Rouge, LA, to take on the LSU Tigers. Competition will be held in the Maravich Center and is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. (CT).