Stout LaChance and Nagashima cap off gymnastics season

LINCOLN, Neb. – Michelle Stout, Alex LaChance and Sarah Nagashima officially wrapped up the 2009 University of Arkansas gymnastics season taking part in the NCAA Individual Championships Saturday in Lincoln, Neb. After guiding the Razorbacks to a program-best fifth place team finish the trio had one more night of competition before putting their leos away. “It’s a great accomplishment to earn a trip to the individual finals,” said Arkansas co-head coach René Cook. It’s an award for a job well done in the team competition. It means you’ve put yourself in position to be a national champion and Mark, Dave and I are very proud of Michelle, Sarah and Alex as well as the whole team this year.” The night of individual action began with alternating competitors on vault and beam. Stout opened as the third competitor on bars scoring a 9.8625 – the average of six judges scores instead of the usual five at the championships. She finished tied for seventh overall on the bars in her second event finals on this apparatus. Stout then moved on to vault where competitors each get two vaults and the scores are averaged. The Endwell, N.Y. native, had a bit of a wait before vaulting but where her turn came, she made the most of it. Stout’s two vault average was 9.8375 securing fifth place in the 12-competitor field. With Stout’s night over, it was LaChance and Nagashima’s turn. Both qualified for the beam finals with LaChance up second overall in the 11-competitor field. The lone senior scored a 9.825 while Nagashima finished with a 9.90 on the beam. Nagashima tied for third overall while LaChance was ninth on beam. “It was a solid effort from all three of them,” said Arkansas co-head coach Mark Cook. “It’s hard to compete three days in a row and all three did a great job. It’s a different environment and atmosphere without your team around you and we handled ourselves well. These three took the program another step further this year and I’m happy for their success.” The NCAA Individual Championships concludes the 2009 competitive season. Friday’s Super Six will air on CBS May 9 at 3 p.m. Central. Check your local listing for more information. For more information about Arkansas gymnastics, log on to ArkansasRazorbacks.com.