March 5, 2007

Finally, after eight straight weekends of competitions, the CARD received a much deserved weekend off. However, even with the weekend off, we were still hard at work in the gym. We are using this time to perfect the little details while also giving our bodies a rest. From our less than par performance on the balance beam in our past two competitions (University of Arizona and University of Nebraska), the team as a whole has committed to stepping up and becoming mentally tough on that event. Our coach, Kristen Smyth, is continually trying to put the beam line-up in uncomfortable situations proving to everyone including ourselves that we are able to hit whenever and wherever. With beam intrasquads at least once, sometimes twice a day, everyone was on their toes and ready to show a 9.8 or better beam routine.

The week off also enabled SWG to play around with new skills, which we usually don't have time for with competitions on the weekend. We are increasing our depth on all events with such forces as Kelly Fee, Stephanie Carter, Tenaya West, and Stephanie Gentry fighting for those spots in the line-up.

We are going into this week of training with a refreshed mentality, and more passion and drive than before. I'm so excited for our home meet this Friday night at 7:30 in Burnham Pavilion. Its going to be nice to have the home crowd behind us once again. Although a weekend off was nice, the CARD is ready to get back out on the competition floor and show everyone what we are made of!

Thanks for reading!
Carly