Feb. 12, 2008

Columbia, Mo. - On the heels of her best outing as a Missouri Tigers, the Big 12 Conference office announced today that Sarah Shire (Columbia, Mo.) has been named Co-Big 12 Gymnast of the Week. Shire is the second Tiger to earn a Big 12 Conference honor this season, as teammate Alicia Hatcher (Blue Springs, Mo.) earned Event Specialist of the Week on Jan. 29.

In Friday's meet versus Centenary, Shire had her best performance since joining the squad, posting a 39.500 in the all-around competition. Her efforts helped the Tigers tally a season-high score of 195.800. Shire claimed three other event titles on the evening as well, winning the floor, vault and tying for the top spot on beam with Hatcher. With the all-around title, Shire now has 14 event titles on the season.

Tallying a career best 9.925 on the floor, Shire moved up to fifth in the nation on the floor in the GymInfo National poll, averaging a 9.885. Shire was 12th before the meet. This is the second straight week that Shire has posted the top all-around score in the Big 12 Conference as she notched a 39.375, Feb. 1 against UIC.

Shire also posted a 9.875 on vault, winning the event, a 9.850 on beam, tying for the title and a 9.850 on bars. Shire's score on bars helped the Tigers score a 49.375, just .025 away from the school record, set in 2004.

Shire has led Mizzou to a 4-1 record, its best start since 1992 when the Tigers opened the season 7-1. Shire has competed in the all-around in every meet this season.

Shire and the Tigers head to Cape Girardeau, Mo. this weekend to take on the No. 27 SEMO RedHawks. For all of the latest news and notes regarding Mizzou Gymnastics, stay tuned to www.mutigers.com.