Scaffidi Named Big 12 Gymnast of the Week

Irving, Texas - Junior Maria Scaffidi was honored as Big 12 Gymnast of the Week, the conference office announced Tuesday. She was recognized for the first time in her career.

Scaffidi claimed her fourth all-around title this season with a mark of 39.275, as she helped the Huskers win at No. 15 Penn State (196.200-195.575). The junior also posted a season-high 9.85 on bars, while scoring 9.825 on beam and 9.85 on floor.

In addition, Oklahoma's Natasha Kelley was honored as Big 12 Event Specialist of the Week. Kelley notched a score of 9.875 or better in the three events she competed in, leading the Sooners (14-0) to a 197.475-196.100 win at No. 6 Arkansas. The freshman scored a career-high 9.90 on beam. She also scored a 9.90 on vault and a 9.875 on bars. She placed third on all three apparatuses.

The Huskers host the 2010 Big 12 Gymnastics Championship this Saturday, March 27. Competition is set to begin at 2 p.m. at the Devaney Center.

2010 Big 12 Gymnasts/Events Specialists of the Week

Date                  Gymnast of the Week                       Event Specialist

1/12:                 Mary Burke, Missouri, So.                  Jackie Flanery, Oklahoma, Sr.

1/19:                 Sarah Shire, Missouri, Sr.                  Erin Davis, Nebraska, Jr.       

1/26:                 Sarah Shire, Missouri, Sr.                  Hollie Vise, Oklahoma, Sr.

2/2:                   Michelle Browning, Iowa State, So.    Kylie Stone, Nebraska, Sr.

2/9:                   Sarah Shire, Missouri, Sr.                  Megan Ferguson, Oklahoma, So.

2/16:                 Michelle Browning, Iowa State, So.    Kristin Smith, Oklahoma, Sr.

2/23:                 Sarah Shire, Missouri, Sr.                  Natasha Kelley, Oklahoma, Fr.

3/2:                   Sarah Shire, Missouri, Sr.                  Sara Stone, Oklahoma, So.

3/9:                   Sarah Shire, Missouri, Sr.                  Hollie Vise, Oklahoma, Sr.

3/16:                 Hollie Vise, Oklahoma, Sr.                 Erin Davis, Nebraska, Jr.

                                                                                      Jackie Flanery, Oklahoma, Sr.

3/23:                 Maria Scaffidi, Nebraska, Jr.              Natasha Kelley, Oklahoma, Fr.