Gymnasts Thank Boosters at Golf Event

Lincoln- The Nebraska women's gymnastics team took time out of their busy schedules last month to visit and thank booster club members at the annual Nebraska Gymnastics Booster Club Golf Tournament.

The weekend's events included a retirement program for longtime Nebraska men's gymnastics coach Francis Allen as well as the golf tournament, which included 23 teams. The event is a major fundraiser for the booster club and helps promote the sport and recruit new booster members.

"It was a great weekend for alumni and other supporters to reconnect with the program," booster club Vice President Mark Hobson said. "We were also successful in kicking off the Francis Allen Scholarship by raising over $10,000 during the retirement program. The golf outing had perfect weather, and the course was in terrific condition which all lent itself to a great day."

Many alumni came back for the weekend, representing teams from the 1960's to 2000's. Most of the members of the first men's national championship team were present to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the title. One notable alum from the women's team was Peggy Liddick, who competed and coached at Nebraska and is now the National Director of Gymnastics in Australia.

Hobson hopes the event encourages a growing and strengthening base of engaged alumni and booster club supporters to help with increased attendance at meets.

"There are exciting things happening in both programs and we want that energy to be displayed in the fans also," he said.