Huskers Pick Up Preseason Intensity

The <?xml:namespace prefix="st1" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"?>Nebraska men’s gymnastics team kicked up preparations for the 2005 season in the first of two intrasquad meets held Thursday in the practice facility of the Devaney Sports Center.  Thursday afternoon’s competition featured three events, floor exercise, pommel horse and still rings; with the vault, parallel bars and high bar taking place on Friday.<?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>

 

Senior captains Steven Friedman and Tony Burtle highlighted the event, Friedman performing an outstanding still rings routine and Burtle showcasing on the floor.  This is Friedman’s first competitive action in more than a year after redshirting in 2004, and Coach Francis Allen is excited to have him back in the mix.

 

“It’s nice to see him back out there,” Allen said.  “He’s still got some kinks to work out in his routines, mostly just to get over some mental adjustment, but he’s a seasoned veteran and I think he’ll be fine by the season.”

 

Nebraska’s third captain, Mace Patterson, did not compete as he is recovering from elbow surgery.  However, Patterson is slated to return by the start of the 2005 season.  Also absent from competition was freshmen Stephen Tetrault, who is currently in Calgary participating in the Canadian Senior National meet.

 

Nebraska’s two other newcomers, Andrew Podany and Jon Charter made their debut in the floor contest, receiving praise from Allen.

 

“Both of the new guys did a great job today,” he said.  “I’m impressed with the progress they’re making and while they still have a long way to go, I think they’re headed in the right direction.”

 

Overall, Allen said he was happy with how well his team functioned, despite the absence of Patterson and another major force, Derric Wood, who is also recovering from injury.

 

“We still showed a lot of promise even without Patterson and Wood, and I think that’s a telltale sign of just how talented this group is.”

 

The intrasquad meet is one of a series of ongoing steps to prepare the Huskers for the 2005 season which begins on January 14, 2005 at the Rocky Mountain Open in Colorado Springs, Colo.