March 31, 2008

NORMAL, Ill. - Three Illinois State gymnasts received first team all-conference honors by the Midwest Independent Conference (MIC) as announced by league office representatives Monday. Senior co-captain Amanda Candler, junior co-captain Meaghan Koshman and freshman Erica Schick were named to the team. In order to qualify for the MIC all-conference team, the gymnasts had to place in the top-three on the vault, uneven bars, balance beam, floor routine and all-around.

Head coach Bob Conkling feels that Candler, Koshman and Schick were worthy of the awards.

"They are all deserving," said Conkling."Schick had her best all-around meet this year. Koshman is a great vaulter and she has made all-conference every year. Candler has been working on her bar routine and has had great bar sets. I am not surprised that these three received all-conference honors."

Candler received the honors for her performance on the uneven bars. She finished third in the event with a score of 9.775. Koshman finished second on the vault with a score of 9.850. Schick was in a three-way tie for third place in the all-around competition. She had an overall score of 38.550.

The all-conference academic team was also announced. In order to be considered for the all-academic team, a gymnast has to maintain a grade-point-average (GPA) of 3.25 or higher. The Redbirds that received the honors were freshmen Katie Witty, Hannah Deutsch, Emily Matko, Robin Weissman, Stacie Morris and Schick. Sophomores receiving recognition include Lisa Mulchek and Abby Chovanec. Junior recipients were London Walder and Koshman. Senior Cheryl Berezan was also on the all-academic team.

The Illinois State gymnasts that qualify for the NCAA Regionals will be announced later this week.