Missouri gymnastics sends off seniors with win

Senior Sarah Shire won another all-around crown.

By Ben Kupiszewski

Published March 23, 2010

The No. 14 Tigers (11-3) gave a resounding goodbye to their seniors Sunday afternoon in a 196.300-183.075 thumping of visiting Centenary College (0-11).

After the meet, the team honored its four seniors Brooke Boehmer, Danielle Guider, Becky Scholle and Sarah Shire. During the emotional ceremony, videos depicted their younger gymnastic days and highlights of their Missouri careers. The four honorees also received flowers and a hug from their coach Rob Drass.

"I think they've done a great job here," Drass said. "They're the epitome of what we want out of our student athletes."

Drass said the four seniors did well academically, athletically and in the community during their time at Missouri.

Shire said she and her fellow seniors enjoyed their senior day.

"We had a good time," Shire said. "The four of us are really, really close. I won't ever forget this."

Her freshman teammate Lauren Swankoski said she would miss the seniors.

"The seniors had a big impact on me as a freshman, so I'm going to miss them a lot," Swankoski said.

Missouri came out strong on vault, posting a team season high 49.250 with not a single Tiger scoring less than 9.800. After the first rotation, the Tigers had a commanding lead over Centenary 49.225-44.575.

From that point onward, Centenary never challenged Missouri, and the Tigers cruised to an easy victory. Missouri committed a few errors along the way in the other three events but still posted a 196.300 as a total score.

Drass said he was not too concerned about the mistakes and felt confident his team can compete with anyone in the country as long as they are consistent on every routine.

"I think when we hit 24-for-24 routines, that's when we get to run with Oklahoma and challenge for a Big 12 title," Drass said.

Sophomore Tara Foster made her non-exhibition debut for the Tigers because freshman Tori Howard came down with flu-like symptoms hours before the meet. Foster scored an 8.725 on floor exercise.

"She was put in a hard position today, and I think she handled that pressure through warm-ups really well," Drass said. "I think in the end, she needs a little more confidence to come out, and more opportunities will give her more confidence."

Swankoski was positive about Foster's future efforts.

"I think it wasn't what she wanted," Swankoski said. "She'll be fine, and she'll step it up next year and be in the line-up again."

Shire's fairy-tale season continued to unfold. The No. 1 gymnast in the country showed no signs of slowing down as she captured three out of the four event titles Sunday afternoon and won the all-around (39.600) with space to breathe.

Shire said the perfect ending for the season would be for her to capture the all-around title at nationals and to be accompanied by her teammates.

Looking ahead, Drass said he feels optimistic about his team getting to the national championship, an achievement that has eluded the Tigers the last couple years.

Missouri will be at home for the NCAA South Central Regional in April in order to qualify for the national championship.