Gymbacks Begin Third Week Of Practice

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas gymnastics team began its third week of practice Monday. The team reported to campus in mid-August and participated in conditioning and open gym sessions before officially opening practice on Monday, Sept. 12.

Head coach Mark Cook welcomes back eight returners from last year’s team that set several program records and defeated two top-10 teams in No. 9 Auburn and No. 4 Alabama, before placing third in the NCAA Iowa City Regional to conclude the season.

“The team is working hard to prepare for the upcoming season,” head coach Mark Cook said. “I am very pleased with the commitment level of this team, and the goals they are determined to achieve.”

Among those returning are a trio of seniors who have each earned All-SEC honors: Heather Elswick, Samantha Nelson and Amanda Wellick. Wellick is also a two-time All-American and has qualified for NCAA Championships as an individual in 2014 and 2016. Cook also adds a talented group of five freshmen in Michaela Burton, Hailey Garner, Kirby Rathjen, Sarah Shaffer and Jessica Yamzon.

The 2017 schedule has not yet been finalized, but it includes home meets against four Southeastern Conference teams, including three Super Six teams from last season. Arkansas will also host an NCAA Regional for the first time since 2014 and for the fifth time in program history.

For more information on Arkansas gymnastics, follow @RazorbackGym on Twitter.