Dec. 10, 2000
Columbia, Mo.-The University of Missouri gymnastics team gave their fans a taste of what's to come in the 2001 season today. The Tigers kicked off the campaign with the annual Black and Gold meet on Sunday in the Hearnes Center. This year, the Black team squeaked out a win in the event 143.35-143.275 victory over the Gold. Head coach Rob Drass said he was pleased with the effort the team gave and the opportunity that the Black and Gold event offered.
"It was good to get out there and get the cob webs out," Drass said. "We looked shaky at times and great at times but I think we're going to see some good things from this group in future."
After a shaky start, the Tiger saved their best efforts for last as they shined on both the beam and floor. Sophomores Leah Gremaud and Terri Baker were both excellent on the beam slating scores of 9.700 and 9.200 respectively. MU debuted many new floor routines under the choreography of first year assistant coach and choreographer Kira Atkinson and looked solid. Senior Anne Gietler's reputation on floor from years past was that of a great showswoman and she definitely lived up to that billing putting up a 9.400 on floor. Sophomore Alina Hamm was also outstanding and took the honors on the day in the floor exercise slating a 9.625.
The lone senior on the squad, Gietler, put on an excellent display on bars putting up a score of 9.475, taking top honors. Sophomore Laura Anson vaulted her way to the top spot on the vault with a 9.500 while freshman Lindsay Davis put up a strong 9.300.
The Tigers regular season opens on January 7 when they travel to Ball State before returning home on Jan. 21 when they host the AT&T Cable Classic with Iowa State coming to town. Mizzou is coming off of its first NCAA Regional appearance since 1994 in 2000 and is loaded with young talented gymnasts. For many of the athletes, the Black and Gold was the first appearance in front a crowd at the collegiate level. Results of the Black and Gold follow:
Team
Vault
Black: 36.7
Gold: 35.15
Bars
Black: 35.3
Gold: 34.2
Beam
Black: 35.775
Gold: 36.675
Floor
Black: 35.575
Gold: 37.25
Overall
Black: 143.35
Gold: 143.275
Individual
Vault
1. Laura Anson, Black, 9.500
2. Lindsay Davis, Black, 9.300
3. Alina Hamm, Gold, 9.250
4. Rachel Bridges, Black, 9.250
Bars
1. Ann Geitler, Black, 9.475
2. Laura Anson, Black, 8.975
3. Alina Hamm, Gold, 8.825
4. Terri Baker, Black, 8.775
Beam
1. Leah Gremaud, Gold, 9.700
2. Alina Hamm, Gold, 9.400
3. Terri Baker, Black, 9.200
4. Lindsay Davis, Black, 9.075
Floor
1. Alina Hamm, Gold, 9.625
2. Ann Geitler, Black, 9.400
3. Laura Anson, Black, 9.300
4. Lindsay Davis, Black, 9.300