Oct. 20, 2005
So this last weekend was homecoming and it was busy. We participated in the annual homecoming parade that was held in downtown Columbia. It was nice seeing all the Mizzou fans as we walked through the parade.
And then there was the game. Congrats to the football team that won 25-24 against the Iowa State Cyclones. I heard it was a really intense game, as seen by the close score. I unfortunately had to work but thanks to Julie O'Donnell (former team member) and text messaging, I had the score about every 20 minutes. Thanks Julie!!! And also congrats to the freshman for making it through the entire game wearing all red, which is Iowa State's team color. How fun was that girls?
And now into the gym...Dedicated, Improving, Hard working.......these are the words that one would describe our team if they watched us practice. There is something about this year that is just...well, can't be described but I'll try my best. I feel that each year our team has been looking better in the gym - better form, better skills and better conditioned. And it has shown with each year's final rankings - 27th my freshman year, 14th my sophomore year and this year....you better watch out. I have never seen a team that is so well conditioned even before the season has even started. Haha!! The coaches thought we were going to die our first week of official practice but they were wrong. Everyone was prepared and stronger than the year before because of the dedication to working hard over the summer.
This year has even surprised me. This week I have seen more full routines and skills on the hard mats in practice than last year. For those of you that have no idea what I just said (everyone that isn't on our team), let me explain. Preseason is used to practice parts of routines and specific skills on soft, fluffy mats to gain confidence, get over fears and gain strength to make it through a full routine come December. (By the way our intra-squad is Dec. 10.) But because we are so prepared, girls are doing full routines, skills on hard landings ("the real floor") and such. If this is how we look now, I can't wait to see how polished everyone is going to look come the start of season. It just gives us all more time to become more consistent with our skills. I can't wait to start competing. Our first meet is Jan. 6 in Louisiana and our first home meet at the Hearnes is our Pink Out, which benefits breast cancer research, on Jan. 13. Hope to see you all there and go Tigers!!!