Jan. 12, 2009
Written by: Abbey Adams
Way to go TERPS! We finished our first meet last night against Kent State, and despite some unexpected obstacles, we pushed our way into our first win! It was our last first meet with Duke, and I am so glad it was a night we can all remember.
We started the season off on vault with excitement and confidence. We hit 7 for 7 vaults, and Michele Brenner impressed us with her perfectly stuck landing. As each gymnast hit her vault, it gave the next gymnast confidence to do the same. We took the high energy from vault and promised ourselves that we would continue to carry it throughout the meet.
On bars and beam we did some great things as well as some not so great things, but we stayed together as a team, and we never gave up. Kelsey McDermid showed us that when things did not go the way she planned, she is capable of handling the pressure and fighting to the end. Candice King had an incredible bar routine that vividly expressed her high flight and clean lines. On beam, Brandi George started the team off with confidence and set the tone for the following gymnasts, and Becca Pang did a great job handling the pressure at her first collegiate meet. Vicki also gave me a great gift before beam to help give me confidence. Our coaches are so great at helping the team to keep their chins up!
After bars and beam the team knew we needed perfection on floor to maintain the lead. Kaitlin Joseph started us off strong, and Kyra Phillips' energetic and entertaining floor routine pumped up the audience, as well as the gymnasts that followed. Michele Brenner hit all of her landings, and finished the competition off with a huge 9.825!
Brett Nelligan has instilled in us this season that we must compete from our hearts, and I know that's what we did against Kent State on Friday night. Established in us is a passion to go far this season, and as we take on each new competitor, we will not forget that our passion comes from our hearts. Margaux Meeks has also been an encourager and motivator for us. She helped us realize that we have to put everything we have into everything we do. She has also given us our team slogan for the year, "Nothing To Lose." Mo, thanks for sharing a piece of your heart with us! We love you.
I also want to thank everyone who came out to support us Friday! We love a pumped up crowd! Come back and see us at our next home meet on Friday, Jan 23rd!
We had a blast during the meet, but I cannot forget to mention that it was not the same without fellow Terp, Allie Dama, who has been ill. Please continue to keep her in your prayers. We cannot wait for her to get better. Our team is not complete without her!
Allie, I did the so-called "Dinosaur" hair-do for you on Friday night! :) We miss and love you, and you are in our prayers. Keep fighting and stay strong! The team wants you to know that Friday night was all for you.
Thanks for reading! GO TERPS!
Abbey Adams
Previous Terps Tumble Talks:
Dec. 15, 2008 - Associate head coach Brett Nelligan
Dec. 8, 2008 - Michele Brenner
Dec. 2, 2008 - Kaitlin Joseph
Nov. 24, 2008 - Assistant coach Vicki Chliszczyk
Nov. 17, 2008 - Becca Pang
Nov. 10, 2008 - Allie Dama
Nov. 3, 2008 - Margaux Meeks
Oct. 27, 2008 - Kelsey McDermid
Oct. 20, 2008 - Brandi George
Oct. 13, 2008 - Lisa Reifschneider
Oct. 6, 2008 - Head coach Bob Nelligan
