Feb. 7, 2008

NORMAL, Ill. - The Illinois State gymnastics team (3-1) will return home Friday night to host the Rhode Island Rams (0-2). The gymnastics meet is the first home meet for the Redbirds after a three-meet road stretch. The non-conference contest is set to begin at 7 p.m. in Horton Field House.

The Redbirds enter Friday's meet with a win over Centenary College last week. The `Birds had been struggling to keep their consistency through all four events in their first three meets this season, but on Feb. 1 the gymnasts were able to keep their momentum and consistency to perform their best balance beam routine of the season.

The `Birds trained in a competition-style practice the week before the Centenary meet and have been doing the same style of practice to prepare for Rhode Island. Head coach Bob Conkling feels the practice have been benefiting his gymnasts.

"We throw in the competition-style practice on Tuesday because it is such an intense hard work out," said Conkling. "We put pressure on the gymnasts, who are competing in the meet that week, when they are tired. If they can make it through the practice, then I know they can make it through a competition. It has been helping the team a lot."

Conkling expects his team to have the confidence they need to effectively execute their routines on Friday night.

"I think the team is ready to put together a meet where they will perform well in all four events," said Conkling. "If we do that, we will score well in each event."

Freshman Erica Schick took first in the all-around competition last Friday, while junior co-captain Meaghan Koshman came in second in the event. Both gymnasts tied or beat two of their career bests in the competition.

Rhode Island, a member of the Eastern College Atlantic Conference, comes into the meet without a first place finish this season. They have placed second in both of their previous meets. The two teams did not meet last season.