Gymnastics hopes to bounce back at Illinois Classic

The Illinois State gymnastics team returns to Horton Field house Sunday for the annual Illinois Classic quad meet with nationally ranked University of Illinois (No. 20), Northern Illinois University and University of Illinois-Chicago.

The Redbirds traveled to Denver, Colo. last weekend, where the team placed third in a tri-meet with nationally ranked University of Denver (No. 7) and Illinois (No. 20).

ISU head coach Bob Conkling emphasizes consistency and confidence heading into this weekend.

“The team needs to be confident going into the competition and just be sure of their routines. We have no control over what Illinois, UIC or NIU does when they come here and compete,” Conkling said.

ISU made key mistakes last weekend which resulted in a score of 192.175, its second lowest score of the season.

“I think the kids are hungry to have a good meet. We need to clean up some mistakes from this past weekend and get them confident and consistent on each of the events,” Conkling said.

The team looks to bounce back at home and the team’s top all-around gymnast will be back in all four events. Sophomore Meredith LaRoche missed last weekend’s meet due to sickness.

“I’m sure having Meredith LaRoche back in all four events is definitely going to help. They just need to go in and do what they’re capable of doing and what they do in practice every single day,” Conkling said.

Freshman Gabrielle Cooke also looks to build off last week’s performance. Cooke finished in third place in the all-around with a score of 38.975.

The event is set to begin at 2 p.m. Sunday at Horton Field house.