Gymnastics moves up in the poll

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas gymnastics team moved up to fifth-place in this week’s GymInfo poll. It is the 10th time in the seven-year history Arkansas has been in the top 10 and is the highest team ranking in program history. Arkansas’ previous bests were an eighth-place showing last year and a ninth-place stop in the poll in 2004. Both were also the first week of the season. In addition to the team’s fifth-place showing, the Razorbacks are tied for first on the uneven bars this week. Although it is the first week of the season, it is the first time in program history the Razorbacks have been No. 1. Arkansas tied with Utah as both teams counted a 49.075 on bars last week. In addition to the No. 5 team ranking and the tie for No. 1 on bars, the Razorbacks are in good standing on the other events. Arkansas is 16th on vault, seventh on beam and third on the floor exercise. The No. 3 floor ranking is also a program best. Junior Casey Jo Magee opened the year winning the all-around title as well as the bars, beam and floor titles – the first time a Razorback gymnasts has won four of the five possible titles. She is tied for 105th on the vault in the country this week but moves up significantly ranking tied for 11th on bars, tied for sixth on beam and tied for 15th on the floor ex. Junior Michelle Stout also picked up a win Friday taking top honors on the vault – the event she earned her All-America honor in last year. Stout’s winning 9.85 vault has her tied for 18th in the country this week. The Razorbacks travel to No. 13 Oregon State Friday for the team’s first road meet of 2009. Arkansas faces the Beavers as well as No. 45 California in the tri-meet.