Feb. 24, 2005

This weekend began with a few obstacles. First off, trying to find a parking spot in a full lot at the Hearnes because two other huge events are going on in the same day is a very difficult thing to do. Second, there was a mix up at the bus company and our team ended up with, how shall I put this, a bit cozier bus for all 23 of us than were expecting. Think of 17 girls and six adults in a small bus for eight hours, I was surprised coaches' weren't more annoyed. But we made the best of it and watched movie after movie after movie.

We left Columbia at about noon and arrived in Norman, Okla., at about 8:30 p.m. We checked in to the hotel really quickly so we could get to the restaurant for dinner. After a yummy dinner (Alisha your steak was amazing), we had our team meeting. Because the meet was in the afternoon the next day we all pretty much took showers and went to bed after that. This meet is Kelley and my third time rooming together this season so I think we've got the roommate thing down pat seeing that I didn't lock her out this trip. (Although for the record, I didn't lock her out the first time either. I fell asleep and she didn't have a key.) Haha.

The next morning we ate at a one-of-a-kind, five star restaurant, Denny's. Yes, I know it was everyone's first choice for food, but it catered to everyone's breakfast and lunch needs since we were eating a brunch, per say.

After breakfast/lunch we headed to the meet. Let me tell you, the weather was amazing, 70 degrees and sunny. The only downside to that the weather's contribution to the intense lighting in the arena, it was hot hot hot down on the floor competing.

It was nice seeing fans there to cheer us on, especially being eight hours away from home. Warm ups went pretty well and we were pumped to start the meet because there were four teams there: Centenary, Texas Women's, Oklahoma and Mizzou. Quad meets are always more exciting because there is always something going on.

We started on bars, which was good for us because lately we have been doing really well on bars and it was a good confidence starter for us. Judging was a little tough on bars and in my mind a little low compared to some of the other teams but we did not have to count a fall so it got a solid momentum started for the rest of the competition. Kelley did a gorgeous bar routine but landed her double layout dismount funny and hurt her heal keeping her out of the rest of the competition.

We went to beam with our water (trying to stay hydrated) and gained even confidence completing the hard event with ease. Beam overall went well, a few wobbles here and there but I think we are perfecting things as time goes by. Katie Kluga ended up taking Kelley's spot in the lineup on beam and stepped it up with another hit routine for the day.

Floor was next, the fun event. I ended up taking Kelley's spot on floor and even though I became friends with the white carpet (out of bounds) a bit more than I wanted, I made my routine. It was exciting because it was the first time competing floor this season and I hadn't done a full floor routine on the hard floor since last March so I was happy that I made it. Just like beam, there were a few bobbles on floor but we hit all the big things and we were happy to go to vault without having any huge mess ups. Vault was vault. Nothing much to say here because we have a very strong vault team -- they just busted them out one after another, just like always.

We ended up finishing second with a 193.925, which we were happy about because this away score helps our RQS in the national rankings. Now that the meet was over we were again looking forward to our eight hour small bus ride home -- all while trying to sleep, I might add. We actually got home earlier than we all expected at 12:30 a.m. We all went home, took showers and woke up early the next morning to go to our classes. But at least we had Monday practice off to sleep! Thanks Rob!

Our next meet is Cat Classic on February 25th and 26th at the Hearnes Center. We are hosting New Hampshire, Towson State and Illinois State. It's one of the most exciting meets of the year so don't miss it!!!

See you on Friday!!!
Amanda