No. 12 Arkansas hosts quad meet on Senior Night Friday

FAYETTEVILLE — The 12th-ranked University of Arkansas gymnastics team hosts its final home meet of the 2007 season welcoming No. 18 Missouri, No. 36 Southeast Missouri and No. 51 Texas Woman’s University to Barnhill Arena Friday at 7:00 p.m. Arkansas comes into the meet as the higher ranked team but the Gym’Backs expect a handful from the talented field. "We’re excited to be at home against this field," said co-head coach Mark Cook. "Missouri always presents us a challenge and both of the other teams have some very capable gymnasts. As always, it’s more about what we do and we don’t focus on our opponents but we know it should be a good meet." In addition to the hype surrounding the final home meet of the 2007 season, the excitement elevates with Senior Night. Arkansas will honor the accomplishments of seniors Rachel Barnett and Cassie Drew following Friday’s meet. "Cassie and Rachel have seen it all," said co-head coach Rene Cook. "They have been consistent in their passion and dedication to the program. They have had so much impact on the program with the type of people they are. It’s really going to be a bittersweet night." "They have been a part of the foundation of the program," added Mark Cook. "They have done nothing but help the program move forward." Arkansas has put together a solid late-season run in recent meets. The Gym’Backs picked up their first Southeastern Conference win with a victory at Kentucky followed by a season-best 196.325 road score and win at No. 14 Auburn. The Gym’Backs return home winning the first of two quad meets and followed with a win at No. 23 Arizona State. "The season has just flown by," said Mark Cook, "and it’s been a really enjoyable ride. We’re training well and we’re excited about Friday night." The quad meet is the final home meet of the 2007 season but not the final in-state meet for the Gym’Backs. The SEC Championship comes to ALLTEL Arena in North Little Rock, Ark., March 31. The nation’s premier gymnastics conference features top-ranked Florida, second-ranked defending national champion Georgia, No. 3 Alabama, No. 6 LSU, No. 12 Arkansas, No. 15 Auburn and No. 25 Kentucky in a meet nearly as big as the national championship. For more information about both meets, please call the Lady Razorback Ticket Office at 57-LBACK or log on to LADYBACKS.COM.