North Carolina State University Athletics
'Inside the Chalk Box' Talks About Upcoming NCAA Regionals
3/29/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
March 29, 2006
Raleigh, N.C. - On Monday, the NC State gymnastics team found out it has been selected to compete in the 2006 Southeast NCAA Regionals, being held next weekend at Georgia. The Pack is fresh off a second place showing at the 2006 EAGL Championships, setting new season-high team scores on both vault and bars. NC State now has the tough task of trying to advance to the NCAA Championships against five top-25 squads in the meet at Georgia. Assistant coach Todd Henry writes his thoughts this week in `Inside the Chalk Box'.
Henry: Our gymnastics team has qualified for the post season tourney once again! From what people have said NC State has now qualified for Regionals in 14 of the last 15 tries, and I always say being consistent is the key to any good program. We will travel to Athens,Georgia, to compete in font of 9,000 (sold out) gymnastics fans. I'm sure all our girls are excited to be in that type of environment.
We will face a tough draw to advance to the national championships at Oregon. We will compete against Georgia, Nebraska, Missouri, West Virginia and UNC. Georgia is the top team in the country this year and defending national champions. We have our work cut out for us, but feel good with our chances.
NC State has some super talent on our roster and everyone is doing really well. In the all-around, Heather Zolton and Kylah Bachman will lead the Pack. Both of these gymnast had a great EAGL last weekend. We are hoping to send Kylah off on a great note. She has been a steady performer throughout her career.
Leigha Hancock, who might be the best vaulter, tumbler and beam worker in the history our program, will also help lead the Wolfpack into a tight race for the national championship. Leigha won the vaulting title over the weekend at the EAGL Championships, and is the first to win that event for NC State!
Our kids are hungry after coming up just a little short at conference last weekend. This was one of our best performances of the year. The team was very fiery on each event. Coach Mark Stevenson and assistant coach Karen Pleasants really helped keep every one level headed. Mark felt like it was one of our best efforts from an NC State team in several years!
