Hardman selected to the SEC Good Works Team

FAYETTEVILLE — University of Arkansas junior Katie Hardman earned selection to the Southeastern Conference Gymnastics Good Works team it was announced by the league today.Hardman, a Buda, Texas, native, is a three-event specialist for Arkansas and was one of seven gymnastics selected to the SEC Good Works team this year. "Katie is appreciative of her experience at Arkansas both as a gymnast and as a student," said co-head coach Rene Cook. "She enjoys being a part of the Arkansas community and loves kids. She was very active in the Sweat Hogs program and has participated in other community events as well." Hardman is involved in several community service projects. This year, she worked with the Sweat Hogs Program doing school visits, radio interviews and presentations during women’s basketball half-times helping to promote physical fitness and activity to elementary kids in Northwest Arkansas. She also works with the Boys & Girls Club as a coach and helped with fundraising efforts for a local Special Olympics activity. In addition, Hardman works with Arkansas Athletes Outreach and Adopt a Family in Northwest Arkansas. She is also in the process, along with her family, of renovating a house in Fayetteville. Other SEC gymnastics selected to the Good Works team include Dana Pierce (Alabama), Robin O’Rear (Auburn), Orley Szmuch (Florida), Courtney Pratt (Georgia), Linday Cameron (Kentucky) and Lauren Companioni (LSU). Hardman and the Gym’Backs depart Thursday traveling to Duluth, Ga., for the 2005 SEC Championships. For more information about Arkansas gymnastics, log on to LADYBACKS.COM.