Faehn Resigns to Take Head Coaching Position at Florida

Lincoln, Neb. - Nebraska Women's Gymnastics Coach Dan Kendig announced Wednesday that Associate Head Coach Rhonda Faehn has resigned to take the head coaching position at the University of Florida. Faehn, a member of the 1988 U.S. Olympic Team and an All-American while at UCLA, replaces Judi Markell, who resigned on April 29 after 10 seasons with the Gators.

"I think this is a big loss for our program but at the same time, it's a great opportunity for her," Kendig said. "If ever there was a job that would be a great fit for her, this is it. It doesn't come around every year. It's a tribute to all the hard work she has put into the sport since she was a gymnast. We hate to see her go, but we know she'll do a great job down there."

Faehn, who joined the Nebraska staff as an assistant in 1999, helped guide the Huskers to four consecutive NCAA Super Six Finals appearances, highlighted by a fourth-place finish in 2000. Under Faehn, seven Huskers earned 11 All-America honors on beam and floor. The 2002 NCAA South Central Assistant Coach of the Year, Faehn helped Nebraska post school records on floor (49.525) and beam (49.675) last season. Faehn was named the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches (NACGC) Assistant Coach of the Year in 2001 and shared the 2000 Region 3 Assistant Coach of the Year award.

"I am eternally grateful to Nebraska," Faehn said. "If it wasn't for Nebraska I would not have this opportunity. The Nebraska support system is second to none. I am thankful to Bill Byrne and the entire staff here."

Kendig said the search for a new assistant coach will begin immediately.

Kendig also announced Wednesday that he has released Alecia Ingram from her scholarship. The 2001 Big 12 Gymnast and Newcomer of the Year, Ingram did not compete in 2002 after undergoing shoulder surgery last November. A native of Knoxville, Tenn., Ingram asked to be released from her scholarship so that she could attend a school closer to home.

"She had a bit more time to reflect on what happened the year before, and she is kind of amazed at how well she handled the death of her father her freshman year," Kendig said. "She just felt the need to be closer to her mom."