Dec. 15, 2005
Saturday marked the beginning of another thrilling Missouri gymnastics season with our Black and Gold intrasquad meet and I couldn't be more excited. But, the beginning of season also means the close of another semester, which adds the stresses of school and exams, the holidays, and other activities.
Sunday was our annual wrapping party at Kira's house. Every year the team adopts a family in need and buys Christmas presents for them. We spent Sunday evening organizing and wrapping the presents so the family would have a good holiday.
Practice was a bit rough at the beginning of the week as we were all mentally and physically drained from the six days of practice the week pior. But the coaches stepped in and reminded us that when things aren't as easy as we want them to be, pushing through and focusing on what needs to be done is what makes us great athletes. Thursday was the first of two days of practice in the arena. We used it as a day to work out some kinks with the new surroundings and equipment so we could have a more confident, productive Friday practice.
Thursday night SAAC (student athlete advisory committee) put on a student athlete social which let us relax and forget about the real world for a few hours as we played games, talked with friends, and watched a pizza eating contest. But, on the way home, Bunny and I were quickly thrown back into reality as we hit a patch of black ice and Bunny lost control of her vehicle. We hit the median, which brought us to a stop facing oncoming traffic. We walked away unharmed, thankful that a guardian angel was with us at the time.
Friday's practice was short and sweet, concluding with a round of Tiger Eyes. During Tiger Eyes we all circle around the floor while one person performs a floor routine. It is a good way to work on presentation, as you have to make eye contact with every person before the routine is over and it helps us get ready to perform for a crowd.
When I woke up Saturday I ran some last minute errands before getting ready for the meet. When I reached the gym, my nervousness set in as it always does the day of a meet. I did my best to focus on my routines and eventually the nervousness subsided and excitement set in. After I was finished competing, I watched everyone else and they looked great! There were falls as expected in the first meet of the year, but there was also a lot of very good gymnastics. People were competing events they may have never thought they would in college and competing them very well. We have a lot of depth this year on all four events and it was really evident Saturday night. Also, there is so much talent on our team, which will not go unnoticed by our competitors. The season got off to a great start and it can only get better from here.
Season comes quicker and quicker every year. I look back and it seems like only a few weeks ago that we had started classes, welcomed in the new freshmen class, and began the intense pre-season conditioning. But, in only a few short days we will be going home for Christmas only to return and begin our final training for the Super 6 challenge at LSU. Hopefully we will see all of you January 13th for our first home meet of the year. Until then, Happy holidays and GO TIGERS!!