Q & A with Suzanne
October 16, 2002 | Gymnastics
April 17, 2003
My question is ....at Regionals Cory' s beautiful beam routine earned her scores of a 9.8 and 3 9.90s (or at least I thought). I thought her finally score should have been a 9.90, however in everything I have seen, the score at the meet, the website score, and the Athens Banner Herald newspaper ...her score has been posted as a 9.6. Did I miss something?
Great question...the baord must be moved after the mount and we neglected to do so. That is an automatic deduction of .3 from the individual's score. Thank goodness it only cost our team .05 because we were able to throw out Cory's score from our team total. Unfortunately for Cory, it cost her the beam title. It is one of those easy rules that just got overlooked. We were all so focused on watching her compete that the coaches did not notice. Usually the athlete who places the board moves it so none of us were paying attention to it. My mistake.
March 25th, 2003
I noticed at a meet that the scores seemed to be changed after the event. What are the rules and guidelines for a score being changed? Can the coach challenge a competitor's score?
Coaches may file an official inquiry after the completion of an event. If the judges make a change in their score then it would be reflected on the score sheet. Changes cannot be made after the judges have signed the scoresheet at the conclusion of the competion
February 25, 2003
What is the typical day schedule for a gymnast during January - April?
A typical week for a Gymdog during the season goes as follows:
Monday: Team meeting 1:45. Review video (our routines only) and have individual work outs based on need. During season our Monday workouts are typically short. The all arounders usually have this day off all together. They have rehab after practice and cardio work out at 5:00.
Tues. and Thurs.: The team has weights and conditioning from 11:30 until 12:30 and then we practice from 1:00 until 3:30. Most of the girls grab a quick snack between weights and work out. These practices are divided into two sections: Individual and Team. The team work outs are first and they consist of competition on various events within our own team. Everyone competes or watches during team work out. The second part of practice is for individual work outs. This means that each gymnast has a specific assignment to complete on each event. Rehab is done at the end of each person's individual work out.
Fri.: Most Friday's, we have a competition. If the meet is on Saturday then we have a light individual practice on Friday or sometimes we have a team workout on one or two events that need special attention. Saturday there is always rehab and sometimes we have cardio. The team is always off on Sundays.
I noticed a message on a message board about the Gym Dogs' salutes to the judges after their routines. I had never noticed what the poster is saying, but my question is: Is there an accepted protocol for saluting the judges? Or does each girl decide how to do this on an individual basis?
I do not read the message board so I am not sure specifically what post you are referring to but yes, there is a certain protocol. The athlete is supposed to show control and finish on the landing before she turns to salute the head judge. Many times the gymnast turns to salute before showing control on the landing in order to cover up a dismount which is not stuck. But guess what, it doesn't fool anyone, least of all the judge.
February 6, 2003
Why hasn't Marie been competing lately? Does she have an injury we don't know about? I am just asking this since I thought she was supposed to be one of the top recruits.
Marie fell off her bunk bed three weeks ago and separated her collar bone. She should be back in two more weeks. We have missed her, especially on floor and bars.
What is the deal with Cory's beam routine and the start value? Sometimes the judge says it is only a 9.7 start value and I didn't see her leave anything out.
Cory's start value is a 10.00 if she doesn't miss anything. If she stops between her leaps she may not get the connection or if she misses her flight she may not have full bonus.
January 24, 2003
I noticed that there are new videos of the gymdogs routines on the gymnastics site...These are much improved over previous videos! As an avid gymdog fan let me say thank you to whoever provided these and keep 'em coming! Georgia has one of the best web sites (if not the best site) in terms of gymnastics news coverage. The only site that comes close is Utah. I think they have one up on Georgia in terms of the streaming videos.I'm grateful for the online stats and chat with Karlene during away meets but I was wondering if there will ever be streaming videos or an audio broadcast of away meets on the net?
Thank you for your kind email. We work hard at Georgia to be #1 not only in national rankings but in our whole gymnastics program. I'm glad you enjoy the new video feature which the internet staff has provided. Monica Flammer takes video 20-30 second video clips which are posted immediately; however, the new video clips which are of higher quality take some time to post on the site so will be done following the meet. Barrett Malone does a great job of handling this in conjunction with the New Media Institute on campus.
We are not capable of streaming video as we do not have a TV studio in the coliseum. I hope this is something that we will be able to do in the near future.
Karlene is always looking for new suggestions to keep our web site one of the best in the country so feel free to email her your ideas.
January 21, 2003
I saw it posted on the College Gymnastics Board that you announced after Saturday night's meet that Kinsey's floor routine was ready and she would be back on floor in a couple of weeks. Will she be doing the same floor routine as last year? I thought since she did not get to compete it very many times last year, she might stay with it this year.
Yes, Kinsey will be competing floor soon. Possibly in the Maryland meet but definitely by Auburn. She has new music. Born in the USA and Jack and Diane. It is great! Her presentation shines through. Thanks for your support of her. It has been a long road back and she is anxious to do all four events again.
At Saturday night's meet against Alabama Michelle Emmons and Sierra Sapunar both did awesome beam routines. The only deduction I saw in Michelle's routine was her small hop on the landing. I'm still scratching my head trying to figure out what the deductions were for Sierra's routine. Did they miss an element or a connection between elements? Any insight you might have on this would be greatly appreciated.
No, I really do not have any insight. I have watched both routines on tape and I agree they were executed very well. In Michelle's case, she does have a small leg bend on her backhandsping getting into her double layouts, but many gymnasts do. She was very aggressive and as you said, never wobbled. She has never scored a 9.9 in her career and I feel she has earned it more than once. In Sierra's case, it was close to perfect. I could deduct for split on her switch leap, straddle but that would be stretching it. She does her gainer layout dismount totally in layout position and does not pike in the landing like so many other gymnasts. She was as surprised as you and me. The internet remarks were quite correct concerning Chelsa's routine. She did have an extra step and knee bend on her flight and a step on her dismount so I am not sure how she scored higher than Michelle and Sierra. Oh well, it all averages out. All in all, we had a terrific beam set.
January 20, 2003
What do the judges say to the gymnasts when they report to the judge's table before each event?
The judges say a lot of different things to the gymnasts. Usually it's pretty casual like, "have fun" or "smile and enjoy yourself". Sometimes it's more personal like, " I love those leotards." Really nothing profound is ever said and definitely nothing biased.
January 16, 2003
When the girls are on Beam, they each have different music playing. Do they pick their own songs for the Beam, or is it just a random selection?
Great question. They all pick their own back round music. As a matter of fact, we've been doing this for years and now a lot of other teams are as well.
January 14, 2003
I was surprised at the Super Six yesterday when the UGA gymnasts were introduced. I may have missed something, but I seemed to hear that we have only one sophomore and one senior, while we have about 5 or 6 freshmen and juniors. I'm curious as to why this disparity exists?
The lack of seniors and sophomores is due to medical problems. Anna Gingrich and Breanne Rutherford are both seniors. Anna is on a medical scholarship due to a bad back and that released a scholarship for one more junior that year. Breanne Rutherford is still on an athletic scholarship but is working with me in the office. We have two freshmen coming in next year on scholarship and five walk-ons. Michelle Emmons was signed with Melinda Bainbridge. She came to Georgia with a torn up shoulder and had to give up gymnastics before she ever started competing for us. She is also on a medical scholarship, which opened up one more for a freshman. We are trying hard to get back to three signees a year.
Do the gymnasts go home over Christmas break or do they stay in Athens and practice through December?
The gymnasts all go home for Christmas right after their final exams. Most of the team will be leaving on Sunday, Dec. 15. They report back on December 27. The practice schedule for December when they report back is as follows:
Dec. 27, 12:00
Dec. 28, 12:00
Dec. 29, 1:00
Dec. 30, 12:00
Please drop in to see us practice at the Ramsey Center!
November 18, 2002
Why doesn't Georgia hold an intersquad meet the way other schools do in the preseason? I know in the past they have had the sneak peek and this year the coaches clinic, but wouldn't it be better to have a "real" meet, with judges at Stegeman where the fans could get in free and the girls could get some experience in front of a larger crowd before the season begins?
Yes, it is always necessary to prepare our team for competition. We do that in many different ways, and what we do depends on the needs of each particular team. At this time, we have a depth problem. Many of our team members who will compete later in the year are not ready at this time to perform a full routine for judges. On Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. in the Ramsey Center during the Coaches Clinic: Part 2, we have decided to also include a sneak preview for the fans. We hope to have a judge in attendance to score the routines. Don't miss it.
November 13, 2002
Is there any chance that the 2004 SEC Championships will be somewhere in Georgia?
The SEC coaches voted to accept a bid from the Gwinnett Center to host the 2004 SEC Championships. The athletic directors must still vote on this, so it is unofficial at this time. The new arena will be completed in February 2003 and has a seating capacity of 11,200. We are very excited about the potential of this new site.
November 4, 2002
Is it true that the Georgia Gym Dogs bring in the most revenue at UGA? We are discussing this in our Sports Law class, and my teacher says football brings in the most. Is that true?
Wow, what a great misconception. No, football does bring in much more money than gymnastics. Remember, they have over 80,000 seats in Sanford Stadium, whereas the coliseum only holds 9,951 fans. Gymnastics is the third highest revenue generating sport at Georgia behind football and men's basketball. We are very proud that we sold over 5,500 season tickets last year. If you want a lower level seat in Stegeman Coliseum for a gymnastics meet, you almost have to buy season tickets. Also, the tickets cost more at the door for a home meet, so it makes sense to purchase the season package. Season tickets are available now at the Butts Mehre building.
October 30, 2002
I noticed that on the old vaulting horse the gymnasts would try to get their hands toward the front of the horse to try to get more block off of it for more height. It seemed at the clinic that most of the gymnasts were hitting their hands on the top of the new vaulting "table". This seems to work well for the Yurchenko entry vaults. Do you think it will be harder to get that block off the horse when doing the front entry or Tsukahara entry vaults?
The new table is changing the mechanics of how to do a vault. On the old horse, the front curved edge was a critical area to put ones hands. This curved area was crucial because it helped create significant repulsion leverage for the creation of rotation and after flight power. The new table, because of its length and flat top, makes it necessary to place ones hands from the middle of the table to the far end for safety reason (you don't want your feet to hit the end of the table). The middle and far end of the table do not have that curved area that helps create the after flight like it did on the horse. Mostly affected are the front handspring entry vaults. Certain handspring mechanics will possibly be eliminated and thus only allowing a limited selection of the ways to do a front handspring entry vault (you'll probably have to pike on and arch off to generate rotation). Yurchenko vaults benefit because of the greater surface area to place one's hands: this is safer. Clearing the far end is still a major safety challenge. Tsukahara vaults benefit the most because you can now cartwheel onto the table with your arms wide apart. This wide arm wide entry naturally is an advantage to creating a stronger after flight than you could create with the horse. *This answer was supplied by assistant coach, Doug McAvinn.
October 29, 2002
I was unfamiliar with the Pilates program before you announced that you are substituting Yoga and Pilatesexercises for aerobic training. A cursory examination of the Pilates program explains how it will be a terrific program for rehabilitation and making muscles better suited to specific tasks. But I'm concerned that it does not appear to increase stamina and endurance --- "wind," if you will. What will you do in place of aerobics to strengthen the cardiovascular system and ensure that a gymnast doesn't run out of gas during her final tumbling pass on the floor exercise and not be able to spring high enough in the air to complete her twists and saltos --- falling or landing awkward --- increasing the chance of injury?
We have not eliminated cardio work from our regimen.The team members do a combination of step, bike, and elliptical rotating between all three pieces of equipment for a 45-minute period twice a week. Coach Fears, our strength coach, supervises the teamwork out and it is "more difficult than aerobics ever was; / so they say. In addition, during our tumbling workouts, we do an endurance segment to prepare the girls for their floor routines. Remember, their routines are only a maximum of 1 minute and 30 so it is not necessary to run a marathon in preparation to do floor.
October 27, 2002
I had gotten word that the application for season tickets would be mailed on October 15th. As of this date I have not received any information about season tickets. When can I expect to receive the application. I have had season tickets for a long time and belong to the Ten-O Club. I would like to continue as a season ticket holder.
You are correct. Season ticket forms are normally mailed around October 15th. There was a delay this year but I believe they were mailed last Friday. If you are a permanent seat holder make sure you return the form which has your priority code stamped on it. You will receive that form from the development office and you will receive a second form if you are a Ten-O club member.
October 24, 2002
I am a contributor to the Gymnastics GEF and would like to know how I can get my two daughters a shot at maybe being a runner at one of the meets?
It's easy for your daughters to be runners if you get on it right now. First off, they have to be members of the Gym Kids which is part of the Ten-0 Club. Call Donna Hallman or Lisa Mobley in the gymnastics office and ask for a Ten-0 form. Then call Donna or Lisa and sign up for one of the meets. It is first come first serve and the spots are taken up fast so you will want to call pronto. Gym Kid members are allowed on the floor for certain designated meets to welcome the Gym Dogs so it will be a lot of fun. Thanks for your interest.
Oct. 18, 2002
I always thought I had to lift heavy weights three times a week to increase my strength and muscles on my slender figure, but I see that high-level gymnasts work out mostly without weights, they work out more often, and as a result they pack on some great muscle. How does this happen?
It is important to have as much lean muscle mass as possible especially as we get older. The amount of lean muscle mass affects your metabolism. The best way to convert fat to muscle is through weight lifting. Actually, our team does lift weights three days a week but the weights are light and the girls do a lot of repetitions. In addition, they are always lifting their own body weight every time they do gymnastics so that is a work out in itself. Maybe you should try the uneven bars as part of YOUR work out.
How often does a college gymnast do conditioning, and what exercises do they do for strength and flexibility?
Our team does a lot of conditioning. We emphasize strength and conditioning above anything else and we maintain our same conditioning program throughout the competitive season. The team does yoga for flexibility and we have added pilates this year one day a week. So in total they do some form of conditioning everyday except Sunday. The NCAA requires that all athletes have one day a week off of everything. DARN...just kidding.
A couple of weeks ago in your "sentiments" you said that you would be writing about the new freshman this year. Can you tell us about them now?
Sorry about the delay with getting sentiments up on the freshman. Marline's injury through me off schedule. I will update the sentiments Friday of this week.
Do you think Marline will return for Nationals?
Marline's injury will take her out of practice for a minimum of four months. She can start training bars in February or March. The other events will take longer. I don't want to put pressure on her to try to return. If we take our time she can be at full strength next year. Maybe then we can have our have our entire current Junior class healthy at one time. We have not had that yet.
Do you think Georgia has a shot at winning it all this year?
It is way too early to predict whether or not we can win it all this year. Losing Marline sure hurts a great deal. We still don't have Sierra, Cassie or Brittany back yet, nor do we have Kinsey vaulting or doing floor. Their rehabilitation will take time. A lot depends on how they come along. We have no depth because we stayed with our kids and did not replace them with young healthy freshman or with freshman who can score higher. Breanne Rutherford is on scholarship and is not training at all, but instead is helping me in the office. She is much happier which is ultimately what is most important. As you know, we have five returning upper- classman who had surgery and will be limited this year. It is doubtful that they will be 100%, but they we're not ready to give up gymnastics. Just like previous years, our team is comprised of a group of fighters. They have tremendous desire to compete but unfortunately they have physical limitations. I believe in them...the season will be a long one for us. We will be competing with only 8 or 9 girls to start out with and have a very grueling schedule. I know I am painting a bleak picture, but it is an honest one.
Is it 20 dollars for both coaches clinic together or is it 20 dollars to get in to each session of the clinic?
Concerning the clinic: It is $20.00 to be paid one time. If you attend once it is $20.00. If you attend both, it is still just $20.00. Don't forget that Ten-0 Club member get in free of charge, and you will be able to join the Ten-0 Club at the door to gain free admittance. Thanks for your interest. We think it will be fun!
Are you pleased with this year's schedule?
Concerning the schedule: Our team loves that we are not on the road for the first five weeks except for our initial competition with Nebraska. Academically, it is a godsend and because of our depth problems it will give us more time to train at home to get people back into the line up. Things happen for a reason so maybe our schedule will turn out to be a blessing for us in the long run. Our promotions office dislikes it. There is no break to gear up for the next home meet. Hopefully our fans will love it and will come every week. We need you all soooooo much.
