Machnik Drew to captain Gym'Backs

FAYETTEVILLE — Junior Cassie Drew and sophomore Mallory Machnik were selected at the 2005-06 gymnastics team captains, co-head coach Mark and René Cook announced. "I think both ladies were selected captains because of their strong vocal desire to make this team the best it can be," said co-head coach Mark Cook. "Both are positive, and not afraid to push their teammates. They also are good communicators, and bring different things to the table. Mallory is a very positive, energetic individual. She is a great competitor, and gets the team fired up in competition. Cassie is extremely competitive, and shows great love for her teammates." Machnik was a two-event competitor for Arkansas last year focusing on vault and floor. The Monroe, La., native posted identical 9.90s on both apparatus to rank among the team’s leaders. Drew, a Raleigh, N.C., native, began the year as a three-event specialist but finished competing for the all-around title demonstrating her versatility and flexibility. Drew had her season-best meet at the Gym’Back Quad notching three of her top five scores for the year. The Gym’Backs are heading into the program’s fourth season, and come off a strong finish last year in which Dana McQuillin became the first gymnast to earn a trip to the NCAA Championship. The Gym’Backs return nearly everyone from the previous year including two captains who were key contributors from a year ago. The Gym’Backs open the year with three road meets traveling to Hawai’i, Missouri and Georgia before hosting Louisiana State Jan. 27, in Barnhill Arena. For more information or ticket information please call the Lady Razorback Ticket Office at 57-LBACK or log on to LADYBACKS.COM.