North Carolina State University Athletics
Inside the Chalk Box: Starting Practice for 2010
10/14/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
Assistant coach Todd Henry and other gymnastics staff members check in during the year for Inside the Chalk Box - an inside look at the gymnastics team Check back often to GoPack.com!
BY TODD HENRY
Hey fans, we are concluding the second week of mandatory practice. All the kids are working extremely hard. Our strength coach Wright Wayne has them doing some sprint work that would make our cross country team cry! Every time I watch them, I am very happy I'm retired. Each Wednesday brings a smile to all the gymnast faces when Wright comes to the gym. I know that Becca can't wait for that time of the week!
We are doing a few things differently this year for conditioning. The team has moved out of the weight room and into the gym. From what I hear, the kids are enjoying the change of pace and the new challenges it brings.
Karen has been working with our freshman creating some great choreography on floor and beam. Every time I look over during the beam practice I can see the concentration on all the girls faces!
On bars, Mark has our team doing parts and combinations of skills. The team looks like it will be better than last year with the addition of Rachel Fincham and Morgan Johnson. Poor Rachel had her grips tear the first week she was here and because she wears such an unusual type of grip, was unable to work bars for 2 weeks! Ouch, her hands have paid the price! She spends half of practice looking down at her sore, ripped hands. GO RACHEL!!
Floor and vault will be interesting for the Pack in 2010. New faces competing against the upper clansman should provide some healthy competition.
Here at State we have banners in our gym signifying outstanding accomplishments. I was very proud to hang 2009 graduate, NC State valedictorian and ESPN Academic All American Ashley Shepard's banner first this year. Way to go Ashley...we miss you!
Until next time...
