North Carolina State University Athletics
Wolfpack Gymnastics Starts Fall Strong in Voluntary Workouts
9/8/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
RALEIGH, N.C. – The NC State gymnastics team is set to kick-off its official preparations Wednesday, Sept. 10 for the 2015 season, but for Wolfpack gymnasts the start of mandatory practice is just one step closer to the start of the 2015 season.
Although the Wolfpack is opening mandatory practices later this week, the squad has been participating in voluntary workouts and a conditioning program since the start of the school year.
The upperclassmen on the squad have led the voluntary workouts, which has also been used to work on conditioning.
“The last couple of weeks we’ve been in the gym and been doing a lot of bike workouts,” said Brittni Watkins. “We also have a conditioning program that we’re doing in the gym, which is good because it’s all arms. That is mostly helpful for conditioning on bars.
“We’re trying to save our ankles and legs with these two workouts instead of running outside, since that takes a toll on our bodies.”
Watkins says that overall she has been impressed with the team in the workouts, as the junior says each gymnast refined their individual skills over the summer and added new skills to their routines.
“I think everyone on the team looks really good,” Watkins said
After losing six seniors from last season’s squad, including Stephanie Ouellette, the 2013 EAGL Senior Gymnast of the Year, the Pack is preparing to compete with a much younger squad this season.
The team will count on contributions from a strong freshmen class, including Allie Wismer, Chelsea Knight, Sami Circeo and Taylor Murphy.
“The freshmen look really good in voluntary workouts,” Watkins stated. “All of the freshmen will be great additions to our squad this season. They look really clean and solid in voluntary workouts. I think they have a good base once mandatory practices start.”
However, the squad will return several key members from the 2014 team, including Watkins, the EAGL Gymnast of the Year and a regular season All-America selection, as well as 2013 EAGL Rookie of the Year Michaela Woodford, Lane Jarred and Aubrey Hine.
“We’ve got some seniors and juniors and then we have several younger kids,” said head coach Mark Stevenson. “Several of the younger kids seem to be adjusting well to the things that we do and the types of workouts that we have out team take part in.”
In 2014, State finished the season 28th in Regional Qualifying Score with a 195.615. The squad will return 11 members from the 2014 squad that advanced to the NCAA Regional in Athens, Ga.
