The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/896287
112 ■ THE WOLFPACKER regional in the all-around and finished ninth in the event. She was first-team All-EAGL in the vault, bars and all-around last year. Landrus made sure to watch video footage of last year's meets to get a feel for Knight and the other gymnasts' performances. She wants the squad to practice like they are in meets. "I spent a lot of time in the beginning watching past competitions," Landrus said. "I've had them fill out little questionnaires on everything they've done in the past and what they've competed in. If there is any- thing unusual about them." Landrus will need time to learn her new gymnasts and looks at her roster as having "17 freshmen," since they are all new to her. "I'm spending time learning each and every one of them because that is really the most important thing — creating relation- ships and learning what makes each person tick," Landrus said. "Then there is patience. One thousand steps equal a mile, and it isn't going to happen over night." Landrus has harkened back to the last time she went from one college program to another. "When I made that transition from Iowa State to Illinois, I felt like every year we took a step up that ladder and created some- thing on the national scene at Illinois," Landrus said. "This group at NC State has so much talent. It's a great place, and re- cruits will absolutely want to come here." Landrus retained assistant coach Bob Starkell and hired Philip Ogletree from LSU, who was a part of the Tigers finish- ing second in the country last year at the NCAA Championships. "Experience and understanding the stu- dent-athletes are key with my coaching staff," Landrus said. "I have a great mix of that. Bob and Phil have years of coaching experience under their belts." Landrus will also have a bit of a semi- homecoming for her NC State coaching debut. The Hoffman Estates, Ill., native will be in a triangular meet at Northern Illinois, which also includes Illinois-Chicago, which is about an hour west of her hometown. "That will be fun, and my husband and kids will fly with us and go to the first com- petition," Landrus said. Dry Clean Your Carpets! commercial residential Since 1987 www.bmsdry.com Environmentally safe "green" system No soapy residue common to steam cleaning systems Fully bonded and insured Safe for children and pets • • • • No waiting on carpets to dry Proven system – millions of square feet cleaned in the Triangle since 1987 Wolfpack family owned and operated • • • Phone: 919-834-1990 • Fax: 919-834-1998 bms12@nc.rr.com – commercial jed.barbour@bmsdry.com – residential Ask about our Sure Step non-slip floor treatment! Newcomer To Watch Freshman Victoria Prati, who goes by Tori, has been competing in gymnastics extensively over the years, reaching the Level 10 stage in 2011. The Winter Haven (Fla.) Laurel Springs High product placed second in the all-around (37.875), second on the beam, third on the vault and floor routine and fourth on uneven bars at the 2016 Region 8 Championship and qualified for the Junior Olympic Nationals. She was the Florida state champion on the beam in 2016.