NEBRASKA Women s Gymnastics 1 136 all-americans 29 consecutive postseason appearances 23 conference championships 14 cosida academic all-americans 5 ncaa champions 21 ncaa championship appearances Gymnastics Contact: Maggie Still I Office: 402-472-6263 I MEET THREE: NO. 9 NEBRASKA AT IOWA FRIDAY, JAN. 24 7 P.M. CST IOWA CITY IOWA. NU AIMS FOR WIN IN FIRST CONFERENCE DUAL Following an impressive victory at the Ozone Collegiate Classic last weekend over Alabama and Kentucky, the No. 9 Nebraska women s gymnastics team will hit the road again to face the Iowa Hawkeyes. The Huskers (3-0) and the Hawkeyes (0-3) will square off for their first Big Ten dual of the year in the Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Friday, Jan. 24, at 7 p.m. CST. Iowa will run free live stats and pay-to-view live video from the competition, with both available at hawkeyesports.com. Fans can also view live updates via the official Nebraska women s gymnastics account on Twitter by following @HuskersWGym. The Huskers are on the hunt for their fourth win of the season and their first conference victory this weekend. Nebraska holds a 19-3 regular season advantage over the Hawkeyes. In the last meeting between the two the Huskers defeated the Hawkeyes 197.675-194.950 on senior night last season in Lincoln. A Glance At The Hawkeyes Head Coaches: Larrisa Libby (10th Year) 2014 Record: 0-3 2014 High Score: 194.675 2013 Record: 12-19 Conference Finish: 8th (193.40) 2013 NCAA Finish: N/A 2013 High Score: 196.375 Cell: 832-347-7137 I Media Relations Fax: 402-472-2005 I Email: mstill@huskers.com Scouting The Iowa Hawkeyes Iowa made their sixth-straight NCAA post season appearance under head coach Larissa Libby, competing at the NCAA regional in Normal, Okla. Iowa returns six letterwinners from the 2013 season The Hawkeyes are comprised of zero seniors, three juniors, five sophomores, and seven freshmen. Iowa posted a team season-best score of 194.675 at No. 6 Georgia on Monday, Jan. 20. Freshman Angel Metcalf posted a season-best 39.100 in the all-around against Georgia to earn second overall behind Georgia s Brittany Rogers (39.525). The Hawkeyes posted two season-high best team scores on floor with a solid 49.00, as well as beam with a mark of 48.55. Nebraska s Rotation Order At Iowa Rotation Nebraska Iowa 1. Uneven Bars Vault 2. Vault Uneven Bars 3. Floor Exercise Balance Beam 4. Balance Beam Floor Exercise Huskers Beat Bama, Cats in Knoxville NU posted a solid team score of 196.250 to defeat No. 3 Alabama, and No. 17 Kentucky on Saturday Jan. 18 to win the Ozone Collegiate Classic in Knoxville Tenn. The Huskers improved to 3-0 on the young season, outscoring the No. 3 Crimson Tide (196.050) and the No. 17 Wildcats (194.650). Senior led all Huskers on the evening, winning the all-around competition with a 39.55. Wong s effort included finishes of first on floor (9.95), second on bars (9.875), tie for second on vault (9.875) and third on beam (9.85). joined Wong with three, top-two finishes including the all-around (39.20), as well as on floor (9.875) and beam (9.90). Jenifer Lauer added another beam title to her name taking top honors with a score of 9.925. The Huskers started the evening on beam, posting a solid team showing of 49.200. NU was led by Jennifer Lauer, who soared to a 9.925. followed up with a 9.90 which ties her career-high score, while Wong (9.85) and Schleppenbach (9.80) added two strong scores. Nebraska s 49.20 leads all teams after the first rotation. Alabama posted a 49.00 on bars, while Kentucky 2014 Schedule Date Opponent/Meet Time/Results Jan. 11 Northern Illinois W, 196.625-192.525 Jan. 18 At Ozone Colligiate Classic W, 196.250-196.050 Alabama, Kentucky Jan. 24 at Iowa 7 p.m. Feb. 1 Minnesota 6 p.m. Feb. 8 Penn State 4 p.m. Feb. 14 Michigan 6 p.m. Feb. 23 Masters Classic 2 p.m. Kentucky, Wisconsin-Stout, Bridgeport March 1 at Oregon State with Arizona State 6 p.m. March 9 Arkansas 2 p.m. March 15 at Michigan State with Illinois, Ohio State 1:30 p.m. March 22 Big Ten Championships TBA (at Penn State) April 5 at NCAA Regionals TBA April 18 NCAA Preliminaries TBA April 19 NCAA Super Six Finals TBA April 20 NCAA Event Finals TBA Note: All times listed are central and subject to change. Home meets are in bold and will be held at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. 2014 Roster Name Yr. Events Hometown Jordyn Beck R. Fr. AA Overland Park, Kan. Hollie Blanske So. AA Oak Grove, Minn. Jr. AA Rogers, Minn. Jennie Laeng Fr. AA West Middlesex, Pa. Ashley Lambert Fr. AA Newport News, Va. Amanda Lauer Jr. AA Sioux City, Iowa Jr. AA Sioux City, Iowa Ariel Martin R. Fr. AA Chicago, Ill. Madison McConkey So. AA Lincoln, Neb. Jamie Schleppenbach So. AA Lincoln, Neb. Desiré Stephens So. AA Omaha, Neb. Sr. AA Grand Forks, N.D. Head Coach: Dan Kendig (21st Year) Assistant Coach: Heather Brink (Third Year) Assistant Coach: Dan Miller (Third Year) Volunteer Assistant Coach: Alina Weinstein (First Year) Manager: Owen Field (Fourth Year) Website: Facebook: Twitter: Husker Gymnastics Online Huskers.com Facebook.com/NebraskaWGym Twitter.com/HuskersWGym
picked up a mark of 48.75 on vault. NU then headed to floor for the second rotation earning a team score of 49.125. All-American led the way for the Huskers with a 9.95 score, as added a season-best 9.875. Hollie Blanske also tacked on a 9.80 showing. The Huskers led all the squads after the second rotation with a combined team score of 98.325. Alabama earned a 48.85 on beam and Kentucky earned a 48.40 on bars. With two events down, Nebraska led the meet with Alabama at 97.850, with Kentucky following in third 97.150. Nebraska took to vault for their third rotation of the night, picking up a 49.275 team mark. The trio of DeZiel, Wong, and Stephens all led the vault squad posting identical scores of 9.875. Ashley Lambert and Ariel Martin also snagged identical marks of 9.825 to boost the Huskers efforts on vault. Nebraska led all teams again after the third event of the night. Alabama posted a 48.775 on floor, while Kentucky posted a 48.625 on beam. With only one event remaining, Nebraska led all teams at 147.60. Alabama closely followed at 146.625, with Kentucky taking third at 145.775. The Huskers took to bars for their final rotation of the night posting a 48.65 team score. Despite some uncharacteristic struggles, Wong carried the Huskers with her 9.875 performance, as sophomore Hollie Blanske added a 9.85 score that ties her career-high. NU held onto their lead even as Alabama posted a 49.425 on vault and Kentucky added a 48.875 on floor. Nebraska defeated No. 3 Alabama 196.050, and No. 17 Kentucky 194.650 to claim the Ozone Collegiate Classic crown. NEBRASKA S TEAM EVENT RANKINGS Event Rank Average Vault 6th 49.263 Bars 13th 49.000 Beam 5th 49.113 Floor 9th 49.125 HUSKERS IN THE NATIONAL RANKINGS Gymnast Event Rank Average Jessie Deziel V T-9th 9.913 AA T-15th 39.263 UB T-18th 9.863 F T-1st 9.950 AA T-2nd 39.487 BB T-5 9.888 2014 Event Titles Vault (1): vs. Northern Illinois, 1/12/14 (9.95) Bars (1): vs. Northern Illinois, 1/12/14 (9.925) Beam (2): vs. Northern Illinois, 1/12/14 (9.85), at Ozone Collegiate Classic, 1/18/14 (9.925) Bars (1): at Ozone Collegiate Classic, 1/18/14 (9.875) Floor (2): vs. Northern Illinois, 1/12/14 (9.95), at Ozone Collegiate Classic, 1/18/14 (9.95) All-Around (2): vs. Northern Illinois, 1/12/14 (39.425), at Ozone Collegiate Classic, 1/18/14 (39.550) Huskers Ranked No. 9 in Latest Standings Nebraska came in ninth nationally in the latest GymInfo national team rankings, holding a season average of 196.438. NU pulled down rankings of No. 6 nationally on vault (49.263), No. 5 on beam (49.113), as well as a No. 9 spot on floor (49.125) and 13th on bars (49.000). Oklahoma continued its reign at the top of the rankings with an average of 197.188, closely followed by No. 2 LSU at (197.038). No. 3 Florida (196.863), No. 4 Utah (196.763) and No. 5 Michigan (196.663) rounded out the nation s top five. Four Big Ten teams appeared in the top 25; in addition to Michigan and Nebraska, Illinois (No. 11), and Minnesota (No. 13) all captured spots. Three Huskers collected six total top-20 appearances in the individual rankings. picked up two top-two appearances alone, coming in tied at second in the all-around (39.487) as well as tying for first on floor (9.950). Wong also adds a No. 18 spot on bars with an average score of 9.863. captured the No. 15 spot in the all-around (39.263) and a No. ranking on vault (9.913). adds a No. 5 ranking on beam after taking the beam title in the first two meets of the season averaging 9.888. Up Next For Nebraska Nebraska will return home next weekend to kick off a two-meet home stand the first two weeks of February. The Huskers welcome the 2013 Big Ten regular season champions Minnesota to the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Saturday Feb. 1 for a 6 p.m. duel. The Gophers are 6-0 this season and will face Illinois Saturday Jan. 25 at home. Wong Proving Her Worth With only two weeks into competition season senior has already made her claim as one of the nation s top gymnasts for 2014. She has collected five titles in only two showings on each event and has posted some of the top scores in the country. Wong led the Huskers in their 196.625-192.525 victory over Northern Illinois Saturday Jan. 12, winning the floor title en route to capturing top honors in the all-around on the evening. She also finished third on bars (9.85), and fifth on vault (9.80). Wong s victory also included a solid beam routine earning a score of 9.825, and placing second. Wong capped her stellar opening weekend by earning Big Ten Gymnast of the week honors. The award marks the third of her career. Wong was the heartbeat to the Huskers victory over Alabama and Kentucky at the Ozone Collegiate Classic last Saturday Jan. 18 in Knoxville. She took home the all-around crown posting a score of 39.550. Wong s effort included finishes of first on floor (9.95), second on bars (9.875), tie for second on vault (9.875) and third on beam (9.85). With an average all-around score of 39.487, Wong is now ranked No. 2 in the country in the all-around, coming in behind Arkansas Katherine Grable (39.500). She also has the top score in the nation on floor keeping an average of 9.950. GymInfo National Rankings Released Jan. 20, 2014 Rank Team Team Ave. 1. Oklahoma 197.188 2. LSU 197.038 3. Florida 196.863 4. Utah 196.763 5. Michigan 196.663 6. Georgia 196.608 7. Alabama 196.600 8. UCLA 196.525 9. Nebraska 196.438 10. Arkansas 196.125 11. Illinois 195.750 12. Stanford 195.692 13. Minnesota 195.600 14. Auburn 195.550 15. Boise State 195.500 16. Oregon State 195.413 17. Arizona 195.300 18. Denver 195.200 Rutgers 195.200 20. Kentucky 195.000 21. Washington 194.925 22. Kent State 194.867 23. Ohio State 194.763 Arizona State 194.763 25. California 194.717 *2014 Husker opponents listed in italics Around the Big Ten Conference Saturday, Jan. 25 Illinois at Minnesota, 6:30 p.m. CST Michigan vs. Ohio State, 4:00 p.m. ET Michigan State vs. Penn State, 2:00 ET 2014 Big Ten Weekly Awards Gymnast of the Week: : Jan. 13 2
The Huskers took down previously ranked No. 3 Alabama and No. 17 Kentucky at the Ozone Collegiate Classic Defending Conference Champions Look For Continued Success After winning its second consecutive Big Ten conference title, Nebraska returns to the gym with even higher expectations for the 2014 season. NU will welcome back seven letter winners from last season, including three All-Americans, as well as two Huskers returning from injuries last season, while adding two newcomers to the roster. The Huskers will have a stockpile of talent to once again rank among the nation s elite collegiate programs. Led by head coach Dan Kendig in his 21st season at Nebraska, who sees the potential for continued success with the 2014 squad. I do think at the end of the day we will have a better team than we had last year, Kendig said. We definitely have the potential to have that happen. The girls are training incredibly hard and their focus is tremendous. This could be an exciting season for us. Three All-Americans Prepared to Lead Huskers In 2014 Nebraska will be led by three returning All-Americans, including two honorees that captured six awards last season. and headline the group that has won 14 awards since 2011 and also includes senior Jamie Schleppenbach. In the all-around competition the Huskers will welcome back two first-team selections in DeZiel and Wong, who both competed in the 2013 NCAA Championships where they picked up All-American accolades. Tying for third overall in the all-around Wong claimed a first-team selection as teammate DeZiel placed 12 overall taking home second-team honors. Nebraska will look for more success from its vaulting lineup as it holds one of the top three team scores in the country (49.725). This vaulting corps fields all three previous All-Americans in Wong, who picked up first-team honors last season, Schleppenbach a first team selection in 2011 and DeZiel, a second-team selection in 2012. Kendig Builds One of Nation s Top Programs Now in his 21st year at the helm of the Nebraska gymnastics program, Head Coach Dan Kendig is the all-time winningest coach in Nebraska history. Since Kendig arrived at NU, his teams have compiled an outstanding 459-175-4 (.719) record, including a 303-62-2 regular season record. His most recent honor was in 2012 when he earned Big Ten Coach of the Year honors after guiding the Huskers to the program s 22nd conference title. Kendig has also led the Huskers to 15 NCAA Championship appearances in the past 18 seasons, including Super Six Finals appearances in 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2011. Kendig was honored as the NCAA Coach of the Year in 1999 and 2003, a year in which the Huskers finished fourth nationally. He guided the 2013 squad to another Big Ten conference title increasing Nebraska s mark to 23 conference championships. The Huskers earned six All-America awards at the 2013 NCAA Championships and compiled a 19-5 overall record. Nebraska qualified for NCAA postseason competition for the 29th time in program history, finishing third at the NCAA Morgantown Regional. The 2013 squad posted three of the highest team scores in school history throughout the year while spending consistent time ranked as one of the nation s top-10 teams. NU Assistants Set to Lead Huskers in 2014 Joining Kendig in his leadership of the Huskers this season will be third-year assistant coaches Heather Brink and Dan Miller. Brink will continue her role in the gym as the team s beam coach while assisting with floor choreography. Brink contributed to Nebraska s continued success in 2013, as the Huskers claimed 13 beam titles including the Big Ten Championship title shared by and with an identical score of 9.90. Wong went on to claim second-team All-American accolades on the event. Miller will continue to lead NU s efforts on vault and floor in 2014. He helped Nebraska s vault and floor lineups continue to dominate in 2013. At the Big Ten Championships the Huskers posted four individual vault scores of 9.95 and a team-high score of 49.725, which helped secure the Huskers the Big Ten Conference title. Miller guided Britanny Skinner to her individual vault appearance at the NCAA Championships and and to earn All-America honors. Volunteer assistant coach Alina Weinstein in her first season will aid NU s full-time staff in 2014. Weinstein will assist Brink on balance beam, as well as the Huskers strength and conditioning programs. Nebraska s All-America Awards All-Around (First Team)...2012...2013 All-Around (Second Team)...2013...2012 Balance Beam (First Team)...2012 Balance Beam (Second Team)...2013...2013 Vault (First Team) Jamie Schleppenbach...2011...2013 Vault (Second Team)...2012 Floor Exercise (First Team)...2012...2013 Floor Exercise (Second Team)...2012 Uneven Bars (First Team)...2011 Nebraska s 2013 Big Ten Awards All-Big Ten... First Team Janelle Giblin... First Team... First Team... First Team Brittany Skinner...Second Team All-Big Ten Championship Team... AA, FX, V...AA, FX, UB, BB Hollie Blanske...V Janellle Giblin...V Brittany Skinner...V...BB Kassandra Nathe... UB 2013 Academic All-Big Ten Janelle Giblin Kailyn Hawkins Amanda Lauer Kassandra Nathe Jamie Schleppenback Desire Stephens 3
Nebraska 2014 Roster Jordyn Beck R. Freshman AA 5-2 Overland Park, Kan. Hollie Blanske Sophomore AA 5-2 Oak Grove, Minn. Junior AA 5-4 Rogers, Minn. Jennie Laeng Freshman AA 5-7 West Middlesex, Pa. Ashley Lambert Freshman AA 5-0 Sartell, Minn. Amanda Lauer Junior AA 5-3 Sioux City, Iowa Junior AA 5-3 Sioux City, Iowa Ariel Martin R. Freshman AA 5-3 Chicago, Ill. Madison McConkey Sophomore AA 5-4 Lincoln, Neb. Jamie Schleppenbach Senior AA 5-2 Lincoln, Neb. Desiré Stephens Junior AA 5-1 Omaha, Neb. Senior AA 5-2 Grand Forks, N.D. Alina Weinstein Volunteer Assistant Coach First Season Heather Brink Assistant Coach Third Season Dan Kendig Head Coach 21st Season 4 Dan Miller Assistant Coach Third Season Owen Field Manager Fourth Season
Huskers High Scores Jordyn Beck Bars: 9.80 (vs. Northern Illinois, 1/12/14) Bars: 9.80 (vs. Northern Illinois, 1/18/14) Hollie Blanske Vault: 9.95 (2 times, last at Big Ten Championships, 3/23/13) Bars: 9.85 (4 times, last at Ozone Collegiate Classic, 1/18/14) Beam: 9.80 (vs. Northern Illinois, 1/12/14) Floor: 9.90 (2 times, last at Big Ten Championships, 3/23/13) Vault: 9.80 (vs. Northern Illinois, 1/12/14) Bars: 9.85 (at Ozone Collegiate Classic, 1/18/14) Beam: 9.80 (vs. Northern Illinois, 1/12/14) Floor: 9.85 (vs. Northern Illinois, 1/12/14) All-Around: 39.225 (vs. Northern Illinois, 1/12/14) Vault: 9.95 (8 times, last vs Northern Illinois, 1/12/14) Bars: 9.925 (3 times, last vs Northern Illinois, 1/12/14) Beam: 9.90 (3 times, last at Ozone Collegiate Classic, 1/18/14) Floor: 9.95 (2 times, last at Big Ten Championships, 3/23/13) All-Around: 39.675 (vs. Iowa, 3/4/13) Vault: 9.95 (vs. Northern Illinois, 1/12/14) Bars: 9.925 (vs. Northern Illinois, 1/12/14) Beam: 9.90 (at Ozone Collegiate Classic, 1/18/14) Floor: 9.875 (at Ozone Collegiate Classic, 1/18/14) All-Around: 39.325 (vs. Northern Illinois, 1/12/14) Ashley Lambert Vault: 9.825 (at Ozone Collegiate Classic, 1/18/14) Vault: 9.825 (at Ozone Collegiate Classic, 1/18/14) Amanda Lauer Beam: 9.725 (at Ozone Collegiate Classic, 1/18/14) Beam: 9.725 (at Ozone Collegiate Classic, 1/18/14) Ariel Martin Vault: 9.85 (vs. Northern Illinois, 1/12/14) Bars: 9.70 (vs. Northern Illinois, 1/12/14) Vault: 9.85 (vs. Northern Illinois, 1/12/14) Bars: 9.70 (vs. Northern Illinois, 1/12/14) Jamie Schleppenbach Vault: 9.95 (4 times, last at Utah, 3/9/12) Bars: 9.875 (at Utah, 3/9/12) Beam: 9.90 (at Utah, 3/9/12) Floor: 9.85 (3 times, last vs. Penn State, 2/10/13) All-Around: 39.575 (at Utah, 3/9/12) Beam: 9.80 (2 times, last at Ozone Collegiate Classic) Floor: 9.65 (vs. Northern Illinois, 1/12/14) Desiré Stephens Vault: 9.875 (at Ozone Collegiate Classic, 1/18/14) Bars: 9.875 (vs. Northern Illinois, 1/12/14) Floor: 9.85 (vs. Iowa State, 2/22/13) Vault: 9.875 (at Ozone Collegiate Classic, 1/18/14) Bars: 9.875 (vs. Northern Illinois, 1/12/14) Floor: 9.80 (vs. Northern Illilnois, 1/12/14) Vault: 9.85 (2 times, last at Salt Lake City Regional, 4/7/12) Bars: 9.90 (vs. Michigan State, 1/19/13) Beam: 9.95 (at Michigan, 1/12/13) Floor: 9.90 (vs. Iowa, 3/4/13) All-Around: 39.200 (2 times, last vs. Michigan State, 1/19/13) : Beam: 9.925 (at Ozone Collegiate Classic, 1/18/14) Floor: 9.825 (vs. Northern Illinois, 1/12/14) Vault: 9.95 (2 times, last at NCAA Morgantown Regional, 4/6/13) Bars: 9.95 (2 times, last vs. Iowa, 3/4/13) Beam: 9.925 (3 times, last vs. Michigan State, 1/19/13) Floor: 9.975 (at Big Ten Championships, 3/23/13) All-Around: 39.725 (at Big Ten Championships)\ Vault: 9.875 (at Ozone Collegiate Classic, 1/18/14) Bars: 9.875 (at Ozone Collegiate Classic, 1/18/14) Beam: 9.85 (at Ozone Collegiate Classic, 1/18/14) Floor: 9.95 (2 times, last at Ozone Collegiate Classic, 1/18/14) All-Around: 39.550 (at Ozone Collegiate Classic, 1/18/14) 2014 Season-High Team Scores Vault: 49.250 (vs. Northern Illinois, 1/12/14) Uneven Bars: 49.225 (vs. Northern Illinois, 1/12/14) Balance Beam: 49.200 (at Ozone Collegiate Classic, 1/18/14) Floor Exercise: 49.125 (2 times, last at Ozone Collegiate Classic, 1/81/14) Total: 196.625 (vs. Northern Illinois, 1/12/14) 5
Nebraska vs Northern Illinois (Jan. 12) W, 196.625-192.525 Bob Devaney Sports Center Lincoln, Neb. Name Vault Bars Beam Floor All-Around Jordyn Beck --- 9.80 --- --- --- Hollie Blanske 9.80 9.775 9.80 9.850 39.225 9.95 9.925 9.75 9.70 39.325 Jennie Laeng --- --- --- --- --- Ashley Lambert 9.775 --- --- --- --- Amanda Lauer --- --- 9.70 --- --- --- --- 9.85 9.825 --- Ariel Martin 9.85 9.70 --- --- --- Madison McConkey --- --- --- --- --- Jamie Schleppenbach --- --- 9.80 9.65 --- Desiré Stephens 9.85 9.875 9.575 (ex) 9.80 --- 9.80 9.85 9.825 9.95 39.425 Team Totals 49.250 49.225 49.025 49.125 196.625 Team Vault Bars Beam Floor Total Nebraska 49.250 49.225 49.025 49.125 196.625 Northern Illinois 48.60 48.475 47.050 48.40 192.525 Nebraska at Ozone Collegiate Classic vs Alabama and Kentucky (Jan. 18) W, 196.250-196.050 Knoxville Convention Center Knoxville Tenn. Name Vault Bars Beam Floor All-Around Jordyn Beck --- 9.175 --- --- --- Hollie Blanske 9.70 9.85 9.025 9.80 38.375 9.875 9.55 9.90 9.875 39.200 Jennie Laeng --- --- --- --- --- Ashley Lambert 9.825 --- --- --- --- Amanda Lauer --- --- 9.725 --- --- --- --- 9.925 9.725 --- Ariel Martin 9.825 9.625 --- --- --- Madison McConkey --- --- --- --- --- Jamie Schleppenbach --- --- 9.80 9.15 --- Desiré Stephens 9.875 9.75 --- 9.775 --- 9.875 9.875 9.85 9.95 39.550 Team Totals 49.275 48.650 49.200 49.125 196.250 Team Vault Bars Beam Floor Total Nebraska 49.275 48.650 49.200 49.125 196.250 Alabama 49.425 49.000 48.850 48.775 196.050 Kentucky 48.750 48.400 48.625 48.875 194.650 6