KALAMAZOO, Mich.- The Western Michigan gymnastics team gathered for its annual end of the year banquet April 30, at the President's Room in the Bernhard Center. Walking away with team awards were Meghan Donovan, Kristine Garbarino and Stacy Kramer.
2010 Season Highlights:
• Western Michigan concluded the season with an 8-13 regular season record, under first year head coach Dave Kuzara. It marked the most wins since the 2006 season. The Broncos were 3-5 at home.
• WMU finished sixth at the Mid-American Conference Championships with a team total of 192.875. It was the sixth highest score ever for the Broncos at the conference championship and their highest score since winning the team title in 2006 with a 193.800.
• The Broncos posted a season high score of 193.925 in a home win over Bowling Green and Illinois-Chicago. It was the highest score for the team in three years.
• Western Michigan also placed second in two different road quad meets during the season. WMU defeated Air Force and Wisconsin LaCrosse at Illinois State. At Pitt, WMU claimed victories over George Washington and Penn.
• Every single Bronco on the team who was able to compete did compete.
Team Awards:
Most Improved - Meghan DonovanDonovan made her return to the line-up on a mission, after missing last season with an ACL injury. She was the Broncos' most consistent performer on the bars, placing first in five meets and second twice. Her first season competing as an all-arounder, she set career highs across the board.
Career Highs: V-9.65, UB-9.85, FX-9.75, AA-38.750
Best Newcomer - Stacy Kramer
Kramer competed in all 12 regular season meets and the conference championships for WMU after transfer this past year from Bowling Green. She competed in vault, beam and floor, setting career highs in all three.
Career Highs: V-9.625, BB-9.60, FX-9.75
Most Valuable - Kristine Garbarino
Garbarino was a First Team All-MAC selection, two-time MAC Gymnast of the Week and Academic All-MAC selection. She tied for first on the floor at the MAC Championships and qualified for the NCAA Central Regional in the all-around, placing 14th. Competing as an all-arounder in every meet, she had just three falls in 56 total events.
Career Highs: V-9.70, UB-9.80, BB-9.825, FX-9.875, AA-39.075
Western Michigan also recognized its two out-going seniors, Liz Prouty and Tonya Eckert. In their honor, Coach Kuzara presented the Prouty/Eckert
Leadership Award.
"This award
is forever to be named after Liz and Tonya who proved to be tremendous
leadership in a challenging year," said Kuzara. "Their
poise and loyalty as true Broncos will forever be remembered."
Eckert competed on the vault, beam and floor, despite dealing with a major back problem and preseason ankle injury.
Career Highs: V-9.675, UB-9.525, BB-9.725, FX-9.825, AA-38.675
Prouty competed as an all-arounder the majority of the season. She left her home arena setting career highs on both the bars and floor on Senior Day.
Career Highs: V-9.725, UB-9.65, BB-9.775, FX-9.875, AA-38.375
