Gym'Backs selected to host 2009 NCAA Regional

FAYETTEVILLE — The University of Arkansas is set once again to host the NCAA South Central Regional Championship, the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Committee recently announced. The 2009 Regional Championship takes place April 4 in Barnhill Arena. "We’re very excited to host the 2009 regional," said co-head coach Mark Cook "The last NCAA Regional meet in 2006 was the platform for the Gym’Backs’ first trip to the NCAA Championship, and we all remember that as one of the most exciting evenings in Gym’Back history." Arkansas began its gymnastics program for the 2003 competitive season and reached unprecedented heights since the inaugural season. Among those accomplishments was the 2006 NCAA South Central Regional Championship at Barnhill. The Gym’Backs, then in their fourth season of competition, pulled off a dramatic upset of ninth-ranked national powerhouse UCLA advancing to Arkansas’ first NCAA Championship. Also selected to host in 2009 are Ohio State (Central), Iowa (North Central), North Carolina State (Southeast) and Washington (West). The Northeast site is still to be determined. The top two teams from each of the NCAA Regional sites advance to the 2009 NCAA Championship hosted by the University of Nebraska at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Neb., April 16-18. The Huskers last hosted the event in 2003. "By hosting these championships," said Cook, "we can demonstrate our ability and desire to possibly bid on future NCAA National competitions." The Gym’Backs are currently preparing for the 2008 competitive season and the schedule should be finalized in the near future. For more information about Arkansas gymnastics, log on to LADYBACKS.COM.