2008 Woodie Awards
Beavers finally find consistency
OSU struggled early in the season after a slew of injuries, but Beavers have found a second wind and are making the most of it
Samantha Redmond
Issue date: 2/28/07 Section: Sports
"You get a lot more pressure (on the road)," Smith said. "You don't have the entire crowd behind you, so the equipment is different, the landing is different, you have to get used to that in twenty minutes of warm up."
If Oregon State continues to earn team scores in the 196 point and above range, it is possible that they could become one of the top 10 teams in the nation. If the trend of improvement continues, the Beavers may be well on their way to another NCAA National Championship.
"It would mean a lot," Smith said. "For us to work so hard in the gym and then not make it, it wouldn't be nice."
The Beavers have witnessed great performances from several gymnasts this season. Among those expected to earn high scores are sophomores Smith and Lanz. Smith, Oregon State's All- American on the vault, had a career high of a 39.55 in the all-around last Friday in Seattle. Lanz has proved to be a rock for the Beavers, earning high scores on each event and in the all-around without fail.
"Pressure gives me adrenaline," Lanz said. "I want to perform better and I have a lot of excitement."
Aside from the expected, several key gymnasts have also emerged from the shadows and have proved themselves worthy of the spotlight this season.
Sophomore Kera Bolen has come through for the Beavers on the floor and bars and recently made the transition from a recruited walk-on to a scholarship athlete. Freshman Laura-Ann Chong has made her presence known in the bars and beam rotation, as well as freshman Whitney Watson, who made her college debut to the vault lineup last Friday.
"Our freshmen are amazing," Lanz said. "They are really extravagant. Each one of them is completely different."
Powerhouse freshman Mandi Rodriquez has followed in the footsteps of Lanz and Smith, proving herself to be a fierce competitor in her rookie season. She scored a career-best 9.95 on the vault last Friday and continues to produce high scores in the all-around.
OSU has already shown it has the athletes to compete nationally. Now, the Beavers' mission for the rest of the regular season will be to nail the details on every event and maintain their level of consistency on the road.
If Oregon State continues to earn team scores in the 196 point and above range, it is possible that they could become one of the top 10 teams in the nation. If the trend of improvement continues, the Beavers may be well on their way to another NCAA National Championship.
"It would mean a lot," Smith said. "For us to work so hard in the gym and then not make it, it wouldn't be nice."
The Beavers have witnessed great performances from several gymnasts this season. Among those expected to earn high scores are sophomores Smith and Lanz. Smith, Oregon State's All- American on the vault, had a career high of a 39.55 in the all-around last Friday in Seattle. Lanz has proved to be a rock for the Beavers, earning high scores on each event and in the all-around without fail.
"Pressure gives me adrenaline," Lanz said. "I want to perform better and I have a lot of excitement."
Aside from the expected, several key gymnasts have also emerged from the shadows and have proved themselves worthy of the spotlight this season.
Sophomore Kera Bolen has come through for the Beavers on the floor and bars and recently made the transition from a recruited walk-on to a scholarship athlete. Freshman Laura-Ann Chong has made her presence known in the bars and beam rotation, as well as freshman Whitney Watson, who made her college debut to the vault lineup last Friday.
"Our freshmen are amazing," Lanz said. "They are really extravagant. Each one of them is completely different."
Powerhouse freshman Mandi Rodriquez has followed in the footsteps of Lanz and Smith, proving herself to be a fierce competitor in her rookie season. She scored a career-best 9.95 on the vault last Friday and continues to produce high scores in the all-around.
OSU has already shown it has the athletes to compete nationally. Now, the Beavers' mission for the rest of the regular season will be to nail the details on every event and maintain their level of consistency on the road.
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