Rene Cook inducted

FAYETTEVILLE — University of Arkansas co-head gymnastics coach Rene Cook was inducted into the Anne Arundel County Sports Hall of Fame in Annapolis, MD, Wednesday. Cook enters her high school hall of fame as the first gymnast ever selected. "This is a great honor," said Cook. "It’s fun to look back at how far I’ve come and how much my life has changed since then. I’m excited to go back and be a part of my high school’s history." The former Rene Lyst was a three-time state champion gymnast in the 9-11, 12-14 and 15-and-over age categories while competing for the Docksiders. She competed for Annapolis High as a senior and was the county champion in the all-around that year. She then guided Annapolis to the state title setting an all-around record with a 37.50. Cook’s athletic career took her to Penn State where she guided the Nittany Lions to a pair of top five finishes at the NCAA Championships. She won two individual conference titles and was affectionately known as the "Beam Queen" in college. Cook, along with husband and co-head coach Mark, took a chance on a new Arkansas program with the first competition in 2003. In two short seasons Arkansas has ranked fourth in the nation in attendance both years, had several athletes earn academic honors and reached the NCAA Regional Championships last year. Cook was honored along with Annapolis High basketball coach John Brady, lacrosse player Eddie Mullen and former NFL football player Donald "Turkey" Brown in a banquet Wednesday evening. For more information about Arkansas gymnastics log on to www.ladybacks.com.