Thompson out for the season

        FAYETTEVILLE — University of Arkansas sophomore gymnast Kathy Thompson will miss the 2004-05 season after rupturing her left Achilles tendon Friday.
        Thompson, a Houston, Texas, native, suffered the season-ending injury during a takeoff for a tumbling pass on Friday. She had surgery Tuesday afternoon and is expected to miss the entire season.
        “It’s an unfortunate injury,” said co-head coach Mark Cook. “Her spirits are good and everyone’s looking forward to a rapid recovery.”
        One of Arkansas’ top vaulters as a freshman, Thompson set the school record with a 9.90 at No. 10 Missouri Feb. 13. She tied that mark at Arkansas’ first Regional appearance at Arizona April 3.
        The Gym’Backs are in the midst of training for the start of the 2004-05 season. Arkansas opens the year with the Gym’Back Gala Jan. 2, in Barnhill Arena.
        For more information about Arkansas gymnastics log on to www.ladybacks.com.