Gym'Backs host Florida Friday

FAYETTEVILLE — The 16th-ranked University of Arkansas gymnastics team hosts top-ranked Florida in Southeastern Conference action Friday in Barnhill Arena. Arkansas is coming off a tough road meet and is looking to rebound with a solid home score against the high-scoring Gators. Florida has been nearly perfect all year with an 8-0-1 record and leads the nation with a top score of 197.650 this season. "Florida has a lot of difficulty in their routines and they are definitely a contender for the national title," said Arkansas co-head coach Rene Cook. Arkansas’ most recent meet took place in Salt Lake City, Utah, in front of one of the biggest crowds in all of collegiate gymnastics with 14,044 fans in attendance. In addition, travel snafus and delays altered the Gym’Backs schedule and the team arrived just two hours before heading for the gym. "That was one of the toughest meets we’ll ever face," said co-head coach Mark Cook. "I thought the team did a great job of staying positive and they just kept working. I was very proud of our effort. "We’re glad to come home for a dual meet," he continued. "There is a difference flow to a dual than a quad or a six team meet. It’s nice to come home and compete in a more controlled environment and in front of our home crowd." The Gym’Backs have been paced by a pair of freshmen handling the all-around duties. Michelle Stout and Casey Jo Magee have both gone all-around in multiple meets this year. Junior Emily Peacock has also emerged as an in-the-gym leader with a pair of individual titles this season. The 2007 season continues next week as the Gym’Backs host No. 3 Alabama Feb. 16, at 7:00 p.m. For more information and tickets for all home events please call the Lady Razorback Ticket Office or log on to LADYBACKS.COM.