Jan. 18, 2011

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Junior Mary Burke has been recognized by the Big 12 Conference as this week's Gymnast of the Week. The honor marks Burke's second weekly award as she earned the honor previously in January of 2010.

"We are very excited for Mary," said Head Coach Rob Drass. "She works very hard and she is very deserving of the recognition. Hopefully this is the first of many to come."

The award comes after Burke took the all-around title at the Fifth Annual Beauty and the Beast meet against Southeast Missouri State. She pulled in a score of 39.225 to lead the Tigers to a 194.925-192.825 over the Redhawks.

Burke scored a 9.800 on both her vault and bar routine, and she put up a 9.775 on beam. Burke brought the meet to a close with a 9.850 on floor.

"It's an honor to be recognized because there are so many good gymnasts in this conference," Burke said. "The Big 12 is a tough conference and to be recognized in the second week of the season is an awesome achievement."

The Tigers are preparing to face the Iowa State Cyclones this Friday. For all the latest information on Mizzou gymnastics keep checking MUTigers.com or follow along on the team's Twitter page, TigerGymnastics.