No. 14 Gym'Backs travel to Lexington

FAYETTEVILLE — The 14th-ranked University of Arkansas gymnastics team continues Southeastern Conference action with a trip to Kentucky Friday. The meet will be televised as part of SEC-TV’s meet of the week and airs March 2 at 5:00 p.m. on FSN. "This should be a great competition," said Arkansas co-head coach Rene Cook. "It’s another opportunity for a good away score if we do our job and stay on the equipment." Arkansas has battled youthful inexperience and exuberance at times throughout the season and the team’s scores have reflected that. Five freshmen have all seen time in the lineup and they continue to carry much of the load as the team heads to Lexington. The upperclass corps of the team paced by seniors Cassie Drew and Rachel Barnett along with juniors Emily Peacock and Samantha Cortez have been the stabilizing factor for this year’s team. "We have a lot of youth right now," said co-head coach Mark Cook. "Sometimes we let things snowball a bit but the plus side is the excitement and enthusiasm our newcomers have brought to the team. It’s elevated everyone." Arkansas’ meet with Kentucky is one of the more balanced conference meets the Gym’Backs face all season. The teams rank sixth and seventh in the SEC, respectively, and the battle is typically a close one. "Kentucky will be ready for us," said Rene Cook. "This meet has developed into a good rivalry. We know they are looking for a win and a good score as are we. We have to go in there and control the things we can, stay on the equipment and see what happens." Arkansas is facing the mid-point of the 2007 campaign with five regular season meets remaining before heading to North Little Rock, Ark., for the SEC Championship March 31. Three of the five remaining meets are on the road with the Gym’Backs hosting a pair quad meets March 9 and March 23, in Barnhill Arena. For more information about Arkansas gymnastics or for tickets please call the Lady Razorback Ticket Office at 57-LBACK or log on to LADYBACKS.COM.