No. 10 Arkansas travels to No. 4 Alabama Friday

FAYETTEVILLE – The 10th-ranked University of Arkansas gymnastics team continues Southeastern Conference action this weekend traveling to No. 4 Alabama Friday for the Crimson Tide’s annual “Power of Pink” meet.

The contest, with proceeds going to the Koman Foundation, will air on ESPN2 Sunday, Feb. 17 at 1:30 p.m.

“We are excited to be heading to Tuscaloosa,” said co-head coach René Cook. Personally, it’s one of my favorite venues to compete in. We are also honored to be a part of the annual Power of Pink meet and we were excited that Alabama asked us to participate.”

“We’re expecting about 14,000 spectators,” continued co-head coach Mark Cook. “This experience, as well as most of the venues in the SEC, really prepare you for the post season crowds. Our team seems to thrive on the experience.”

Arkansas has been thriving all season and with four consecutive scores of 195-plus, the Gym’Backs have put themselves in the top 10 and seem content to stay there for the season.

“Every year you have a plan,” said Mark Cook, “and so far we’re on track with our plan. We want to start knocking off some SEC teams we haven’t yet and that’s been our goal this year but ultimately, we want to stay in the top 10, go to regionals and hopefully make nationals.”

Although Arkansas’ goal seems well within reach at this point, there is a lot of regular season still stretching out in front of the Gym’Backs. Arkansas returns from Tuscaloosa and hosts SEC rivals No. 34 Kentucky and No. 15 Auburn Feb. 15 and 22nd, respectively. Then, it’s back to the road for a pair of meets followed by two more at home prior to the post season.

Arkansas is coming off a season-best 195.75 at No. 3 Florida last weekend in a meet that was balanced among the Gym’Backs. That balance has been a characteristic of the business-like team all season.

Seniors Samantha Cortez and Emily Peacock continue to lead the young team and the sophomore class paced by 2007 NCAA Championship participant Casey Jo Magee are making up much of this year’s lineup.

Tickets for Arkansas’ remaining home meets are still available. For tickets please call the Razorback Ticket Office at 57-LBACK or log on to LADYBACKS.COM.