The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/197085
N By Matt Carter C State could conceivably fulfill its entire routine rotation with four seniors, a junior and two sophomores. It's possible that just seven gymnasts, who combined filled all but three of the starting routines last year, could handle the entire load this season. ■PREVIEW Gymnastics In head coach Mark Stevenson's 34 years leading NC State gymnastics, he can only recall that happening "two or three times." Safe to say the Pack is now at a far better starting point than a year ago. "We are quite a bit ahead of ourselves as far as the level of the skill and just in general how the kids are performing at this point," Stevenson acknowledged. "That's pretty exciting because we were still iffy on who was even going when we went to the first meet last year." The Pack would eventually win the East Atlantic Gymnastics League championship meet last year. Stevenson bluntly admitted he would have not picked NCSU to do High Expectations The Wolfpack Is Loaded With Experience that in the preseason. However, he feels good about how his lineup is shaping up this winter. Seniors Diahanna Ham and Stephanie Ouellette combined for 49 podium appearances last year. Both were first-team AllEAGL selections in the all-around and vault. Ouellette was also first-team in the floor exercise. Seniors Hannah Fallanca and Kristen Harabedian are also experienced veterans, and Fallanca was first-team all-conference on the beam. Talented sophomores Brittni Watkins and Michaela Woodford also return. Woodford was the EAGL Rookie of the Year last year, and Watkins was first-team all-conference in the vault and floor exercise. Both could compete in all-around this season. Junior Lane Jarred, who is especially strong in the floor exercise, will also likely be in the rotation. Stevenson appreciates the deep core of talent he has at his disposal. "I really like it that way," Stevenson said. "If there's a negative to it, it just means that some of the younger kids won't have as many opportunities or much experience this year. All of those freshmen and sophomores are only going to do one or two events." There are some freshmen, though, that could find some time in the meets, including Courtney Bisbe, Amanda Fillard and Court- 104 ■ the wolfpacker 104-107.Gymnastics Preview.indd 104 10/22/13 1:58 PM