Magee eighth; Gym'Backs 10th this week

FAYETTEVILLE – University of Arkansas sophomore gymnast Casey Jo Magee ranks eighth in the nation as an all-arounder this week in the GymInfo statistics. Magee’s numbers helped the Gym’Backs remain in the 10th spot as a team in the GymInfo rankings for the fourth consecutive week. “Jo rocks,” an enthusiastic Arkansas co-head coach René Cook said. “Both Mark (Cook) and I are happy for her success. Casey Jo has been working very hard and she is determined not just for herself but for the team. She matures with each week and her success is contagious – something I hope we all catch.” Magee won her second all-around title of the year and the third of her career last Friday against Kentucky. The Eugene, Ore., native scored a near-school record 39.475, just missing the 2004 mark of 39.50 held by former Gym’Back Dana McQuillin. Magee tied her career best on the vault with a 9.85 and bars with a 9.90. She recorded a 9.850 on the beam and set a career-high on the floor with a 9.875 leading Arkansas to the SEC win over Kentucky. Magee averages 39.135 as an all-around with last week’s 39.475 as her season-best. LSU’s Ashleigh Clare-Kearney is first with a 39.430 average and a season-best of 39.650. UCLA’s Anna Li is second followed by Kiara Redmond-Sturms (Oklahoma), Emily Parsons (Nebraska), Jessica Lopez (Denver), Lindsey Puckett (Auburn) and Lindsey Bruck (Michigan). In addition to Magee’s success, senior Emily Peacock also ranks among the nation’s leaders. The San Antonio, Texas, native ranks second on the uneven bars this week with a 9.833 average and a season-best 9.90 set Friday in a Southeastern Conference win over No. 35 Kentucky. Peacock also ranks fifth on the floor exercise with a 9.85 average and a 9.90 season-best. “Emily has historically been one of our most consistent gymnasts,” said Cook. “She’s a rock and we count on her for every meet.” The individual successes have translated into team successes this year. Arkansas is again ranked 10th as a team but moves up to No. 6 on the floor this week. Arkansas is 11th in the nation on vault, 10th on bars and 12th on the beam. The Gym’Backs return to SEC action Friday hosting No. 14 Auburn at 7:00 p.m. For more information and tickets please call the Razorback Ticket Office at 57-LBACK or log on to LADYBACKS.COM.