Drew earns SEC Gymnast of the Week honors

FAYETTEVILLE — University of Arkansas senior Cassie Drew earned Southeastern Conference Gymnast of the Week, the league office announced Tuesday. The Raleigh, N.C., native is just the third gymnast in program history to earn the weekly award in what is the toughest conference for gymnastics in the country. "I was so excited for her," said co-head coach Rene Cook of Drew’s selection. "This is a tough honor to get in this conference because of the strength of the athletes. I’m proud of her hard work and commitment to the program. She’s very deserving of this." Drew has had a solid year but was pivotal in Arkansas’s win at No. 14 Auburn last week. The victory was the second consecutive SEC win with Drew tying for the individual beam title with a career-best 9.90. Drew also added a season-best 9.850 on the floor and was just shy of a career mark with a season-high 39.275 in the all-around. "Cassie was willing to take on chance on a brand new program and she’s worked really hard to help define the Gym’Backs," said Cook. "It’s great for her to be recognized for her success in the gym." Arkansas has just three regular season meets remaining prior to the SEC Championship March 31, at ALLTEL Arena in North Little Rock, Ark. The Gym’Backs host the first of two quad meets welcoming No. 23 West Virginia, No. 37 Pittsburgh and No. 39 New Hampshire Friday, March 9, in Barnhill Arena. For more information and tickets please call the Lady Razorback Ticket Office at 57-LBACK or log on to LADYBACKS.COM.