Fighting Illini Women s Gymnastics Not March 20 - March 26 Big Ten Championships March 26 6 p.m. Carver-Hawkeye Arena Iowa City, IA.

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1 Fighting Illini Women s Gymnastics Not March 20 - March 26 Big Ten March 26 6 p.m. Carver-Hawkeye Arena Iowa City, IA. Me Information location...iowa City, Iowa host school...university of Iowa arena... Carver-Hawkeye Arena media contact... Jana Hemphill office phone office fax address...jana-hemphill@uiowa.edu internet address Illinois Schedule/R ults date opponent time/result Jan. 8 Illinois State/Central Mich. W, Jan. 15 Penn State/Pittsburgh 2nd of 3, Jan. 21 Cardinal Classic (1) 1st of 5, Jan. 29 Denver L, Feb. 5 Illinois St./UIC/Iowa 2nd of 4, Feb. 11 Missouri L, Feb. 19 Michigan State W, Feb. 26 Texas Women s Univ. 1st of 4, Mar. 6 Northern Illinois W, Mar. 12 Ohio State W, Mar. 19 Illinois Classic (2) 2nd of 4, Mar. 26 Big Ten (3) 6 p.m. Apr. 9 NCAA Regionals 6 p.m. Apr NCAA (4) TBA 1 - Ball State University, Muncie, Ind. 2 - University of Illinois-Chicago, Chicago, Ill. 3 - University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 4 - Auburn University, Auburn, Ala. * All times central * All home meets are in BOLD and held at Huff Hall Outlook On Big Ten Head coach Bob Starkell and his Fighting Illini women s gymnastics team heads to Iowa City, Iowa for this weekend s Big Ten, Saturday, March 26 at 6 p.m. The Illini look to capitalize on the wealth of experience they hold to improve on last season s sixth-place team fi nish. The Orange and Blue enter the conference championships with a record of 2-2 within the Big Ten, posting wins against Michigan State and Ohio State Second-Team All-Big Ten performers Ashley Williams and Cara Pomeroy lead the Illini and are in good postition to repeat as some of the top performers in the conference. Williams has two titles on the season, while Pomeroy is currently on a roll with 10 event titles; seven of those coming on bars. Pomeroy has won fi ve consecutive bar titles heading into this weekend, scoring no lower than a in her last four meets. Pomeroy, ranked No. 7 on bars in the nation, will need a near-perfect performance facing Elise Ray of Michigan, who is currently ranked No. 1 in the nation on bars and posted a perfect 10.0 last season to take home the conference crown, in addition to event titles on fl oor, beam and in the all-around. As intimidating as Ray s credentials may seem, Pomeroy is up to the challenge, with a perfect 10.0 listed in her repertoire as well. Pomeroy won bars at last year s The 2005 Fighting Illini name yr. ht. event hometown/previous school Danye Botterman So. 5-3 AA New Lenox, Ill./Chicago Christian Jessica Cole Sr. 5-5 AA Knoxville, Tenn./Oklahoma Margaret Dann Sr. 5-3 UB, BB, FX St. Petersburg, Fla./St. Petersburg Sara Dumich Sr VT, BB, FX Champaign, Ill./Central Emily Earle Jr. 5-4 VT, UB, FX St. Petersburg, Fla./Canterbury Kara Kapernekas Sr. 5-1 AA Westchester, Ill./Immac. Heart of Mary Michelle McGrady Fr. 5-5 AA Buffalo Grove, Ill./Stevenson Krystal Melcarek Fr. 5-5 AA Mukwonago, Wis./Mukwonago Lauren Newcomb Sr. 5-1 AA Evansville, Ind./Harrison Cara Pomeroy So. 5-8 AA Ottawa, Ontario/Napean Melissa Singer So. 5-3 VT, BB, FX Buffalo Grove, Ill./Stevenson Katie Wild Jr. 5-4 AA Mendota Heights, Minn./Cretin-Derham Ashley Williams Sr. 5-4 AA Northport, Ala./Tuscaloosa County head coach: Bob Starkell (Sixth season, U-W Oshkosh 92) assistant coaches: Kim Mazza (Third season, Iowa State 97) Becky Ashton (Third season, Illinois 00) Illinois Media Information 2005 GymInfo Women s Coach Poll (Week 12) 1. Utah 2. LSU 3. UCLA 4. Nebraska 5. Alabama 6. Florida 7. Michigan 8. Georgia 9. Iowa State 10. Oklahoma 11. Penn State 12. Oregon State 13. Central Michigan 14. Brigham Young 15. Arkansas 16. Utah State 17. Southern Utah 18. Denver 19. Arizona 19. Kentucky 21. Auburn 22. Minnesota 23. Washington 24. Missouri 25. Arizona State gymnastics SID...Brenna Webb work phone cell phone SID fax bwebb@ad.uiuc.edu website...

2 regional championships with score of 10.0, the first in Illini history. As a team, the Illini need a strong performance this weekend to secure their chances for another regional appearance. Fighting Illini Say Goodbye To Seniors After Me Against Ohio State Last weekend s meet against Ohio State marks the last time six valuable gymnasts will compete for the Orange and Blue at Huff Hall. Seniors Jessica Cole, Margaret Dann, Sara Dumich, Kara Kapernekas, Lauren Newcomb and Ashley Williams have all shared a part in raising the level of success of Illinois gymnastics in the past five years. Between the six athletes lie 61 event titles and six school event records, not to mention the records that have been set with these gymnasts in the lineup: Jessica Cole, Knoxville, Tenn. Has been a solid contributor for the Illini on vault and bars this season Shares the Illinois vault record of with Nicole Viernes ( 96) Won the vault title at the State of Illinois Classic in 2003 with a score of Margaret Dann, St. Petersburg, Fla. Senior Co-Captain Has been the Illini s lead-off competitor on beam in the past 22 meets Set a career-high on beam at the State of Illinois Classic in 2003 Sara Dumich, Champaign, Ill. Has been the Illini s lead-off competitor in the past 22 meets on floor Tied her career-high of on floor at the State of Illinois Classic Also holds a career-high of 9.75 on beam set this year against Denver Kara Kapernekas, Westchester, Ill. Team Co-Captain both junior and senior seasons Named team s Most Valuable Gymnast in 2004, Most Outstanding Gymnast and Most Consistent Beam in 2003 Shares the Illini floor record of with Amanda Kaufman ( 03) and Phaedra Dixon ( 01) Has captured a total 20 event titles in her career at Illinois, including three this season Lauren Newcomb, Evansville, Ind. Began the 2005 season with three straight all-around victories Leads the team with eight event titles on the season Was an alternate for the NCAA after scoring a career-high in the all-around at 2004 regionals Ashley Williams, Northport, Ala. Competed at the 2004 NCAA in the all-around, finishing tied for 46th Holds the Illinois all-around record of Second-Team All-Big Ten selection in 2003 and 2004 Has captured a total 28 event titles as an Illini 2005 Fighting Illini Women s Gymnastics Seniors: (clockwise from top) Sara Dumich, Ashley Williams, Jessica Cole, Margaret Dann, Kara Kapernekas, Lauren Newcomb Pomeroy Named Big Ten Co-Gymnast of the Week Sophomore Cara Pomeroy was named Big Ten Co-Gymnast of the Week by the conference office March 1. This marks the first time an Illini gymnast has been named Big Ten Gymnast of the Week since Jan. 9, 2002 when senior Ashley Williams received the honor her rookie season. The Fighting Illini: (l-r) Cara Pomeroy, Michelle McGrady, Katie Wild, Emily Earle, Melissa Singer, Margaret Dann, Kara Kapernekas, Lauren Newcomb, Krystal Melcarek, Danye Botterman, Ashley Williams, Jessica Cole, Emily Deter, Sara Dumich

3 The honor is the first for the Ottawa, Ontario native, who earned the accolade after capturing first place on bars and beam last weekend at the Texas Women s Quad meet. Pomeroy posted season-high scores on both events with a on bars and a on beam to lead the Illini to a first place team finish. On the season, Pomeroy has captured six event titles with four coming on bars and two on beam. Pomeroy shares the accolade with Penn State s Lisa Clark. Illini Season R ap March 19, 2005 State of Illinois Classic Illinois-Chicago , Illinois , Northern Illinois , Illinois State UIC Physical Education Building, Chicago, Illinois Ranking: 33rd (GymInfo) Record: 17-5 overall, 2-2 Big Ten CHICAGO, Ill. -- In their last meet of the regular season, the Fighting Illini women s gymnastics team posted a strong score of , but were unable to come out on top as Illinois-Chicago placed first with , followed by the Illini in second. Northern Illinois took third with and Illinois State was fourth with Despite notching solid scores throughout the afternoon, the Illini could not overcome the Flames, who lead by a slim margin from the onset. With the fourth and final rotation commencing, Illinois-Chicago lead by.175 with Illinois headed to the bars and the Flames taking to the floor. However, Illinois-Chicago continued to post solid scores that the Illini were unable to overcome for the win. Illinois sophomore Danye Botterman was a winner on vault, sharing the title with Veronique Meunier of Illinois-Chicago as both gymnasts scored a Fellow sophomore Cara Pomeroy notched her seventh bar title of the season with a 9.925, tying with Illinois- Chicago s Alyson Cacciatore. On beam, Pomeroy finished second with a 9.850, while seniors Ashley Williams and Kara Kapernekas tied for third with a Kapernekas and Botterman were the Illini s highest finishers on floor, tying for third with a Illinois Event Title Leaders Danye Botterman Vault vs. Northern Illinois, Japan All-Stars 3/6/05 Vault at State of Illinois Classic 3/19/05 Kara Kapernekas Balance Beam at Michigan State 2/19/05 Balance Beam vs. Northern Illinois, Japan All-Stars 3/6/05 Balance Beam vs. Ohio State 3/12/05 Floor Exercise vs. Northern Illinois, Japan All-Stars 3/6/05 Floor Exercise vs. Ohio State 3/12/05 Lauren Newcomb Vault at Michigan State 2/19/05 Vault at Ball State 1/21/05 Vault at Illinois State 1/8/05 Vault at Texas Women s Quad 2/26/05 Vault vs. Ohio State 3/12/05 All-Around at Ball State 1/21/05 All-Around at Penn State 1/15/05 All-Around at Illinois State 1/8/05 All-Around vs. Illinois-Chicago, Illinois State, Iowa 2/5/05 All-Around vs. Ohio State 3/12/05 Cara Pomeroy Uneven Bars at Penn State 1/15/05 Uneven Bars vs. Denver 1/29/05 Uneven Bars at Michigan State 2/19/05 Uneven Bars at Texas Women s Quad 2/26/05 Uneven Bars vs. Northern Illinois, Japan All-Stars 3/6/05 Uneven Bars vs. Ohio State 3/12/05 Uneven Bars at State of Illinois Classic 3/19/05 Balance Beam vs. Denver 1/29/05 Balance Beam at Texas Women s Quad 2/26/05 Balance Beam vs. Ohio State 3/12/05 Ashley Williams Vault vs. Illinois-Chicago, Illinois State, Iowa 2/5/05 All-Around at Michigan State 2/19/05 Jan. 12 Jan. 19 Jan. 26 Feb. 2 Feb. 9 Feb. 16 Feb. 23 Mar. 1 Mar. 9 Mar Big Ten Gymnasts of the Week Sarah Alexander, MSU Carolyn Yernberg, MINN Lindsey Bruck, MICH Elise Ray, MICH Elise Ray, MICH Lindsay Borkan, PSU Lindsay Bruck, MICH Jenny Deiley, MICH Elise Ray, MICH Cara Pomeroy, ILLINOIS Lisa Clark, PSU Jenny Deiley, MICH Carolyn Yernberg, MINN

4 Cacciatore took the all-around title with a score of Williams was fifth with a , and senior Lauren Newcomb placed seventh with For their outstanding performance on the afternoon, Williams, Pomeroy, Kapernekas and Botterman were all selected to the Illinois All-State team. March 12, 2005 Illinois , Ohio State University Huff Hall, Champaign, Illinois Ranking: 32nd (GymInfo) Record: 15-4 overall, 2-2 Big Ten CHAMPAIGN, Ill.-- Illinois women s gymnastics notched yet another victory in their already impressive season, beating the Ohio State Buckeyes It was senior night at Huff Hall, and in front of a crowd of 858, each senior helped contribute to their highest score at home this year. After the first rotation, the Illini were down to the Buckeyes by just.2 of a point, but with an uneven bars score of , Illinois never looked back. Sophomore Cara Pomeroy led the squad with a on the event, while seniors Lauren Newcomb and Kara Kapernekas earned and 9.700, respectively. More seniors contributed on the balance beam as Margaret Dann scored 9.750, while Ashley Williams earned a and Kapernekas garnered a Sara Dumich contributed on senior day by scoring a on her only event, the floor exercise; Jessica Cole also competed on one event, earning a on the vault. Newcomb took the all-around crown for the fifth time this year, with a season-high The Evansville, Ind. native also took home the vault title for the fifth time as well. Pomeroy s bars title was her sixth of the year, while her tie for first on beam was her third of the year. With Pomeroy and Kapernekas tying for first on beam with a score of 9.875, Kapernekas earned her third beam title of the season. March 6, 2005 Illinois , Northern Illinois Huff Hall, Champaign, Illinois Ranking: 33rd (GymInfo) Record: 14-4 overall, 1-2 Big Ten CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- As the regular season winds down, the Fighting Illini women s gymnastics team is just heating up, capturing its third consecutive victory Sunday afternoon at Huff Hall. In front of a crowd of 1,195 fans, which included over 650 local girl scouts, the Illini captured first place with a score of , followed by Northern Illinois with and the Japan All-Stars at Consistency was the key as Illinois enjoyed solid marks all afternoon. The Orange and Blue captured the top spot on all four events with four out of six gymnasts scoring a and higher on beam. Senior Kara Kapernekas was the big winner for the Illini, capturing two event titles. Kapernekas shared the top spot on beam with Northern Illinois Kristina Campos with a and ran away with first place on floor with a score of Danye Botterman (So., New Lenox, Ill.) Has been a solid member of the Illini vault lineup for the past two seasons. Holds a career-high on vault, on bars and a on floor Gymnastics Performanc Has one event title on the season, winning vault with a against Northern Illinois on 3/6/05 at Illinois State at Penn State at Ball State Denver Illinois St./UIC/Iowa at Missouri at Michigan State at Texas Women s Northern Illinois Ohio State at Illinois Classic J ica Cole (Sr., Knoxville, Tenn.) Has competed on vault and bars in every meet for the Illini this season. Appeared in the Illini floor lineup on three occasions this season. Scored a season-high on vault at Texas Women s and on bars at Missouri. Holds the Illini vault record of at Illinois State at Penn State at Ball State Denver Illinois St./UIC/Iowa at Missouri at Michigan State at Texas Women s Northern Illinois Ohio State at Illinois Classic Sophomore Danye Botterman captured her first event

5 title of the season with a on vault. Fellow sophomore Cara Pomeroy continued to dominate on bars, placing first with a score of 9.900, which is Pomeroy s fifth bars title of the season and her third consecutive win on the event. Senior Ashley Williams placed third in the all-around with behind Campos (38.775) and NIU s Ashlee Williams (38.275). February 26, 2005 Illinois , Centenary , Texas Women s , Air Force Kitty Magee Arena, Denton, Texas Ranking: 26th (GymInfo) Record: 13-4 overall, 1-2 Big Ten DENTON, Tex. -- The 22nd-ranked Fighting Illini women s gymnastics team was able to build on the momentum of last weekend s win over Michigan State with a first place finish in Saturday s quad meet, hosted by Texas Women s University. The Illini captured first with a score of , followed by Centenary with Meet host Texas Women s placed third with , while Air Force wrapped up the competition with Sophomore Cara Pomeroy had a productive night, placing first on bars with a and beam with a season-high Senior Kara Kapernekas was a close second to Pomeroy on beam with a Fellow senior Lauren Newcomb also had a big night, tying for first on vault with a and leading the vault team to a new school record of , surpassing the previous mark of set last season at the State of Illinois Classic. Sophomore Danye Botterman also contributed a season-high on vault for second. February 19, 2005 Illinois , Michigan State Jenison Field House, East Lansing, Mich. Ranking: 22nd (GymInfo) Record: 10-4 overall, 1-2 Big Ten EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Looking to improve on their conference record, the Fighting Illini Women s Gymnastics team was able to build momentum on the road with a win over the 25th-ranked Spartans of Michigan State, Illinois improves to 9-4 on the season and 1-2 in the Big Ten. The Illini won four event titles, led by senior Ashley Williams, who recorded her first all-around victory of the season with a score of Fellow seniors Lauren Newcomb and Kara Kapernekas also were event winners, along with sophomore Cara Pomeroy. The Illini showed vast improvement from last weekend s defeat at Missouri, especially on vault. Newcomb led the pack with a for first, while sophomore Danye Botterman also placed among the top in a four-way tie for second with a On bars, the Illini dominated, claiming the top-three spots. Pomeroy captured her fifth bar title this year with a 9.875, followed by Williams with a season-high and freshman Krystal Melcarek notching a for her first top-three finish. On beam, Kapernekas took first by posting a for the third time this season. Senior co-captain Margaret Dann followed with a 9.750, tying for third. Kapernekas, along with junior Katie Wild, would not only tied for second-place on floor, but also both gymnasts re- Margar Dann (Sr., St. P ersburg, Fla.) Senior Co-Captain Has been the lead-off competitor on the Illini beam lineup for the past 22 meets. Has scored a season-high twice on beam this season. Holds a career-high on beam, a on vault and a on floor. at Illinois State at Penn State at Ball State Denver Illinois St./UIC/Iowa at Missouri at Michigan State at Texas Women s Northern Illinois Ohio State at Illinois Classic Sara Dumich (Sr., Champaign, Ill.) Has competed on floor for the Illini in every meet this season. Appeared in the Illini beam lineup once this season against Denver where she posted a career-high Scored a season-high on two occasions this season on floor. Joined the Illini as a walk-on in at Illinois State at Penn State at Ball State Denver Illinois St./UIC/Iowa at Missouri at Michigan State at Texas Women s Northern Illinois Ohio State at Illinois Classic 9.650

6 corded season-highs with a score of With the season-high all-around win, Williams also set season bests on bars (9.775) and floor (9.750). February 11, 2005 Missouri , Illinois Hearnes Center, Columbia, Mo. Ranking: 27th (GymInfo) Record: 9-4 overall, 0-2 Big Ten COLUMBIA, Mo. -- After falling short against Iowa last weekend at home, the 27th-ranked Illini were unable to bounce back on the road, falling to No. 31 Missouri. Illini sophomore Cara Pomeroy posted a season-high on bars to finish second. The Illini nabbed solid scores on three out of four events, however similar to seasons past, the vault proved to be a stumbling block for Illinois. The Tigers left the Illini little room for error, capturing first-place on every event. Missouri freshman Ashley Khederian took the top spot in the all-around with a score of , while Illini senior Lauren Newcomb followed with a Pomeroy was Illinois lone topthree finisher of any event with her second-place finish on bars. Senior Ashley Williams placed fourth on vault with a 9.675, followed by sophomore Melissa Singer with a Junior Katie Wild took fifth-place on balance beam with a and earned a to tie for fifth on floor exercise. February 5, 2005 Iowa , Illinois , Illinois-Chicago , Illinois State Huff Hall, Champaign, Ill. Ranking: 27th (GymInfo) Record: 9-3 overall, 0-2 Big Ten CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- While the Fighting Illini women s gymnastics team remain unbeaten against in-state opponents Illinois State and Illinois-Chicago, the Orange and Blue were unable to overcome Big Ten rival Iowa as the Illini took second to the Hawkeyes Saturday evening in a quad meet at Huff Hall. Iowa took first place with a score of , Illinois followed with , Illinois-Chicago was third with and Illinois State rounded out the group with After sitting out last weekend s home opener against Denver, senior Lauren Newcomb picked up right where she left off, claiming her fourth all-around title of the season with a score of Melcarek posted a career high of on bars and perfomed a solid vault for a Botterman tied for fifth on vault with a and posted a on floor to tie for eighth. Junior Emily Earle tied for sixth-place on bars with a season-high January 29, 2005 Denver , Illinois Huff Hall, Champaign, Ill. Ranking: 26th (GymInfo) Record: 7-2 overall, 0-1 Big Ten CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- In their first match of the season at home in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 1,241, the Illini had a big challenge ahead of them, hosting the ninth-ranked Denver. Despite a season-high team Emily Earle (Jr., St. P ersburg, Fla.) Limited to bars due to injury Has appeared in the bars lineup on three occasions this season for Illinois. Holds a season-high of on bars posted at Missouri on bars tied her career-high set last season at Ohio State. at Illinois State at Penn State at Ball State Denver Illinois St./UIC/Iowa at Missouri at Michigan State at Texas Women s Northern Illinois Ohio State at Illinois Classic Kara Kapernekas (Sr., W tch ter, Ill.) Has competed on beam and floor in every meet this season. Competed all-around in the first four meets of the season, scoring a season-high versus Denver. Has four event titles on the season; two on beam and two on floor exercise. Holds the Illini floor record of at Illinois State at Penn State at Ball State Denver Illinois St./UIC/Iowa at Missouri at Michigan State at Texas Women s Northern Illinois Ohio State at Illinois Classic

7 score, the Orange and Blue were unable to overcome the Pioneers who defeated Illinois Sophomore Cara Pomeroy was a double-winner with a first-place finish on bars and beam, posting a and a 9.825, respectively. Both scores were also season-highs for the Ottawa, Ontario native. Despite the lineup adjustments, the Orange and Blue relied on their veterans, who responded with solid scores, leading the team to a season high. Senior Ashley Williams had season high scores on vault, beam and floor, while Kara Kapernekas followed suite with a season-best all around score of January 21, 2005 Illinois , Western Michigan , Ball State , Illinois State , Wisconsin-Eau Claire Irving Gym, Muncie, Ind. Ranking: 26th (GymInfo) Record: 7-1 overall, 0-1 Big Ten MUNCIE, Ind. -- As the only ranked team competing, the No. 25 Fighting Illini women s gymnastics team proved their national status with a first-place showing at the Cardinal Classic Friday night in Muncie, Ind. Hosted by Ball State University, the Illini took the team title with a score of , followed by Western Michigan with , Ball State with , Illinois State in fourth with , and Wisconsin Eau- Claire rounding out the group with Senior Lauren Newcomb continues to dominate this season, nabbing her third all-around title with a score of The Evansville, Ind. native also took home the title on vault, earning a and placed third on beam with a Following Newcomb on vault was sophomore Danye Botterman, who placed second with a season-high score of Fellow sophomore Cara Pomeroy also took home another title on bars, tying for first-place with Ball State s Jessica Surridge with a score of 9.800, while freshman Krystal Melcarek continued to prove her value in the lineup, placing fourth with a Senior Margaret Dann contributed a solid routine on beam to take second with a seasonhigh January 15, 2005 Penn State , Illinois , Pittsburgh Rec Hall, University Park, Pa. Ranking: 25th (GymInfo) Record: 3-1 overall, 0-1 Big Ten UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- After breaking into the top- 25 last week following their season debut, the 18thranked Fighting Illini women s gymnastics team was able to put up another strong score to defeat Pittsburgh, but it was not enough to knock off meet host Penn State. The Nittany Lions just edged the Illini to capture first place with a score of , followed by Illinois with and Pittsburgh rounding out the three-team meet with Senior Lauren Newcomb once again came out as the Illini s top performer, placing first in the all-around with a score of following her tie for first in Illinois season opener against Illinois State and Central Michigan last weekend. Sophomore Cara Pomeroy posted a on bars, while freshman Krystal Melcarek Michelle McGrady (Fr., Buffalo Grove, Ill.) Suffered a broken foot early in the season. Made her Illini debut on vault at Missouri with a Has been a regular in the Illini vault lineup since Missouri. Posted a season and career-high at Texas Women s. at Illinois State at Penn State at Ball State Denver Illinois St./UIC/Iowa at Missouri at Michigan State at Texas Women s Northern Illinois Ohio State at Illinois Classic Krystal Melcarek (Fr., Mukwonago, Wis.) Made her Illinois debut at Penn State and has competed in 9 of 10 meets on bars. Broke into the floor lineup in two meets at Texas Women s and against Northern Illinois. Posted a career-high on bars and a on floor at Texas Women s. at Illinois State at Penn State at Ball State Denver Illinois St./UIC/Iowa at Missouri at Michigan State at Texas Women s Northern Illinois Ohio State at Illinois Classic 9.775

8 made her debut as an Illini on bars with a solid Pomeroy s score of would stay atop the leader board for the duration of the meet, securing the Ottawa, Ontario native her first bar title of the season. Illinois continued to challenge Penn State throughout the meet as senior Kara Kapernekas earned a on beam to tie PSU sophomore Corissa Pirkl for first. Newcomb would be the Illini s top vaulter with a January 8, 2005 Illinois , Central Michgan , Illinois State Horton Field House, Normal, Ill. Ranking: 18th (GymInfo) Record: 2-0 overall, 0-0 Big Ten NORMAL, Ill. -- Head coach Bob Starkell and his Fighting Illini women s gymnastics team got first-meet jitters out of the way and topped meet host Illinois State and Central Michigan. The Illini took first with a score of , while Central Michigan placed second with and the Redbirds of Illinois State rounded out the trio with Senior Lauren Newcomb led the way for the Orange and Blue, capturing the vault title with a and tying Central Michigan s Sara Burtinsky in the all-around with a score of The vault score for Newcomb also surpassed her career high of set last year. Seniors Kara Kapernekas and Ashley Williams also contributed solid all-around scores of and respectively toward the team victory Big Ten R ap Team R ults 1. Michigan Penn State Iowa Minnesota Michigan State Illinois Ohio State Individual Champions Vault: Alexis Maday, Iowa Bars: Elise Ray, Michigan 10.0 Beam: Elise Ray, Michigan Floor: Alexis Maday, Iowa Elise Ray, Michigan All Around: Elise Ray, Michigan Gymnast of the Year Alexis Maday, Iowa Freshman of the Year Victoria Iakounina, Michigan State Coach of the Year (3-Way Tie) Mike Lorenzen, Iowa Bev Plocki, Michigan Kathie Klages, Michigan State Lauren Newcomb (Sr., Evansville, Ind.) Leads the Illini in event titles with 10 on the season. Opened the season winning three straight all-around titles. Posted a career-high on vault twice. Won all-around against Ohio State with a seasonhigh Has claimed more event titles this season (10) than in her three previous seasons combined (4). Opponent Vault Bars Beam Floor AA at Illinois State at Penn State at Ball State Denver Illinois St./UIC/Iowa at Missouri at Michigan State at Texas Women s Northern Illinois Ohio State at Illinois Classic Cara Pomeroy (So., Ottawa, Ontario.) Has competed on bars and beam in every meet this season. Was named Big Ten Co-Gymnast of the Week after winning bars and beam with season-high scores of and respectively at Texas Women s. Holds the Illini bars record with a 10.0 set last at NCAA Regionals. Is second to Lauren Newcomb for most event titles won on the season with nine. at Illinois State at Penn State at Ball State Denver Illinois St./UIC/Iowa at Missouri at Michigan State at Texas Women s Northern Illinois Ohio State at Illinois Classic

9 Top Scor of 2004 individual All-Around Ashley Williams vs. Ball State (2/21) Ashley Williams State of Illinois Classic (3/13) Ashley Williams at NCAA Regionals (4/3) Ashley Williams vs. Iowa St. (2/14) Vault Kara Kapernekas State of Illinois Classic (3/13) Danye Botterman vs. Iowa State (2/14) Seven Times Bars 10.0 Cara Pomeroy at NCAA Regionals (4/3) Ashley Williams at NCAA Regionals (4/3) Cara Pomeroy State of Illinois Classic (3/13) Cara Pomeroy vs. Ball State (2/21) Beam Ashley Williams vs. Ball State (2/21) Ashley Williams at OSU Triangular (1/31) Cara Pomeroy at OSU Triangular (1/31) Floor Exercise Kara Kapernekas vs. Ball State (2/21) Lauren Newcomb State of Illinois Classic (3/13) Kara Kapernekas vs. Iowa State (2/14) Ashley Williams vs. Ball State (2/21) Kara Kapernekas at OSU Triangular (1/31) team Total State of Illinois Classic (3/13) vs. Michigan State (1/25) vs. Ball State (2/21) at NCAA South Cent. Reg. (3/20) (3/20) Vault State of Illinois Classic (3/13) at Cardinal Classic (2/6) vs. Michigan State (1/25) twice, last s (3/20) Bars at NCAA South Cent. Reg. (3/20) State of Illinois Classic (3/13) vs. Michigan State (1/25) at OSU Triangular (1/31) Beam (3/20) State of Illinois Classic (3/13) vs. Michigan State (1/25) at OSU Triangular (1/31) Floor Exercise vs. Ball State (2/21) vs. Iowa State (2/14) at OSU Triangular (1/31) vs. Michigan State (1/25) Melissa Singer (So., Buffalo Grove, Ill.) Has been the Illini s lead-off vault competitor in every meet this season. Appeared in the floor lineup once this season versus Denver. Set a season-high on vault in the season opener at Illinois State. Holds a season-high on floor. Opponent Vault Bars Beam Floor AA at Illinois State at Penn State at Ball State Denver Illinois St./UIC/Iowa at Missouri at Michigan State at Texas Women s Northern Illinois Ohio State at Illinois Classic Katie Wild (Jr., Mendota Heights, Minn.) Has competed on beam and floor in every meet this season. Set a season-high twice on beam and once on floor. Hold two career event titles with both coming on beam in at Illinois State at Penn State at Ball State Denver Illinois St./UIC/Iowa at Missouri at Michigan State at Texas Women s Northern Illinois Ohio State at Illinois Classic

10 Illini Head Coach Bob Starkell Bob Starkell begins his sixth year as the head coach of the Fighting Illini women s gymnastics team, and his 12th year overall at the University of Illinois. Since he took over for former head coach Lynn Brueckman in 2000, Starkell s squads have posted nine of the top 10 team scores in school history, including the school record of that was set last year. Additionally, in 2004 he coached his squad to an NCAA final ranking of 22nd in the nation, along with leading both Cara Pomeroy and Ashley Williams to NCAA Nationals. Under the direction of Starkell, Williams was the 2002 Big Ten Freshman of the Year and the 2002 Illinois Female Newcomer of the Year. Illinois has had five All-Big Ten selections, 26 Scholastic All-Americans and 45 Academic All-Big Ten selections while Starkell has been at the helm of the Illini program. This is more than any other gymanastics coach at Illinois during that time span. Prior to being named the head coach, Starkell served as an assistant for the Illini for six years. He was named the 1998 Central Region Assistant Coach of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches for Women. After serving as an assistant coach for UW- Oshkosh while finishing his bachelor s degree, Starkell became the head coach for the men s and women s gymnastics teams in He coached the Lady Titans to a conference championship and a secondplace finish at the NCAA Division II in For his efforts, he was named the Wisconsin Women s Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. Before becoming the head coach for both Oshkosh programs, Starkell served two years as the men s assistant coach at Oshkosh. Starkell has also had great success with men s programs, coaching five All-Americans. He helped produce four Division II individual champions, one each on the vault, pommel horse, still rings and floor. One of his gymnasts also became a member of the 1992 U.S. National Team. Prior to coming to Illinois, Starkell spent seven years at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, both as a student-athlete and a coach. He competed for the Titans gymnastics team for four years, completing his eligibility in 1990 and earning a B.S. in physical education in At UW-Oshkosh, Starkell placed among the top-10 in the floor exercise at the national championships in 1989 and `90, earning All-America honors in 89. Starkell qualified for the NCAA Division III championships in the all-around, while his team qualified for the finals each year he competed. Ashley Williams (Sr., Northport, Ala.) Has competed on vault, beam and floor in every meet this season. Competed all-around in three meets, posting a season-high at Michigan State. Has two titles on the season, capturing vault with a at the Illinois Quad and all-around at Michigan State. Holds the Illini all-around record of Opponent Vault Bars Beam Floor AA at Illinois State at Penn State at Ball State Denver Illinois St./UIC/Iowa at Missouri at Michigan State at Texas Women s Northern Illinois Ohio State at Illinois Classic

11 Illini Season and Career Highs (through 2005 season) Season Highs Career Highs Danye Botterman (twice, last 3/19/05) Vault (2/14/04) (twice, last 3/19/05) Bars (4/3/04) (twice, last 3/19/05) Floor (twice, last 3/13/04) Jessica Cole (2/26/05) Vault (3/23/03) (2/11/05) Bars (3 times, last 2/22/03) -- Beam (1/17/03) (1/29/05) Floor (1/26/02) -- AA (3/23/03) Margaret Dann -- Vault (twice, last 1/19/02) (twice, last 3/6/05) Beam (3/23/03) -- Floor (3/16/02) Sara Dumich (1/29/05) Beam (1/29/05) (3/12/05) Floor (twice, last 3/13/04) Emily Earle (2/11/05) Bars (twice, last 2/11/05) Kara Kapernekas (1/21/05) Vault (3/13/04) (1/15/05) Bars (4 times, last 4/3/04) (3/12/05) Beam (twice, last 3/23/03) (2/26/05) Floor (twice, last 2/21/04) (1/29/05) AA (3/23/03) Season Highs Career Highs Michelle McGrady (2/26/05) Vault (2/26/05) Krystal Melcarek (2/26/05) Bars (2/26/05) (2/26/05) Floor (2/26/05) Lauren Newcomb (twice, last 2/26/05) Vault (twice, last 2/26/05) (twice, last 3/12/05) Bars (4/3/04) (2/11/05) Beam (2/21/04) (3/12/05) Floor (3/13/04) (3/12/05) AA (twice, last 4/3/04) Cara Pomeroy (2/26/05) Bars 10.0 (4/3/04) (3/12/05) Beam (1/31/04) Melissa Singer (1/8/05) Vault (1/8/05) (1/29/05) Floor (1/29/05) Katie Wild -- Bars (twice, last 2/1/03) (twice, lasat 3/12/05) Beam (3/13/04) (twice, last 1/29/05) Floor (twice, last 2/14/04) Ashley Williams (1/29/05) Vault (twice, last 3/13/04) (2/19/05) Bars (4/3/04) (twice, last 2/11/05) Beam (twice, last 2/21/04) (3/12/05) Floor (9.900 (2/21/04) (2/19/05) AA (2/21/04) team Total at Texas Women s (2/26) vs. Ohio State (3/12) at Michigan State (2/19) vs. Denver (1/29) Vault at Texas Women s (2/26) vs. Ohio State (3/12) at St. of Illinois Classic (3/19) vs. Illinois St./UIC/Iowa (2/5) Bars at Texas Women s (2/26) at Missouri (2/11) vs. Ohio State (3/12) at Penn State (1/15) Beam vs. Ohio State (3/12) at Missouri (2/11) at Texas Women s (2/26) at Michigan State (2/19) Top Scor of 2005 individual All-Around Lauren Newcomb vs. Ohio State (3/12) Ashley Williams at Michigan State (2/19) Lauren Newcomb at Illinois State (1/8) Lauren Newcomb at Cardinal Classic (1/21) Vault Lauren Newcomb at Illinois State (1/8) Lauren Newcomb at Texas Women s (2/26) Danye Botterman at Texas Women s (2/26) Lauren Newcomb at Ball State (1/21) Bars Cara Pomeroy at Texas Women s (2/26) Cara Pomeroy at St. of Illinois Classic (3/19) Cara Pomeroy vs. Northern Illinois (3/6) Cara Pomeroy at Missouri (2/11) Beam Cara Pomeroy vs. Ohio State (3/12) Cara Pomeroy at Texas Women s (2/26) Cara Pomeroy at St. of Illinois Classic (3/19) Kara Kapernekas at Texas Women s (2/26) Cara Pomeroy vs. Denver (1/29) Illinois R ords team Total State of Illinois Classic 3/13/04 VT at Texas Women s Quad 2/26/05 UB at NCAA Regionals 4/3/04 BB s 3/20/04 FX at State of IL Classic 3/16/01 individual AA Ashley Williams 2004 VT Jessica Cole 2003 Nicole Vierness 1996 UB 10.0 Cara Pomeroy 2004 BB Stacy Redmond 1995 FX Kara Kapernekas 2003 and 04 Amanda Kaufman 2003 Phaedra Dixon 2000 Floor Exercise vs. Ohio State (3/12) at St. of Illinois Classic (3/19) at Michigan State (2/19) at Texas Women s (2/26) Floor Exercise Kara Kapernekas at Texas Women s (2/26) Kara Kapernekas at Michigan State (2/19) Kara Kapernekas vs. Northern Illinois (3/6) Katie Wild at Michigan State (2/19)