Cyclone Gymnasts Having Quality Preseason Training

AMES, Iowa?The Iowa State gymnastics team has been hard at work, training at the Pyle Family Gymnastics Facility for nearly two months. Furthermore, the Cyclones already have one intrasquad in the rearview mirror and will continue to train diligently ahead of their Jan. 8 opener in Hilton Coliseum against Wisconsin-Stout.

Iowa State head coach Jay Ronayne has been impressed by the work his squad has exhibited in training and at the intrasquad showing.

“I could not be happier about the work ethic and the drive this team is showing me this preseason,” Ronayne said. “In the past few years I only saw this from a select few. Now, I see a lot of real determination in the gym every day, which makes practice a whole lot more enjoyable.”

Ronayne said the mindset to be prepared for the 2010 campaign started soon after last season concluded.

“We had a major commitment of getting into very good condition over the summer from most of the team,” Ronayne said. “It has translated into a stronger, healthier, more prepared and consequently, confident team.”

The extra effort in the summer has resulted in a much more advanced squad at this stage of the season.

“We are much further ahead than we have been over the past three seasons,” Ronayne said. “We could compete today if we needed to. What this means to us is that we can focus our preparation, between now and Jan. 8 on getting more confident and realizing how great this team will be this year.”

The practice regiment serves as more than just an opportunity for the upperclassmen to fine tune their skills. It allows ISU newcomers Rebecca Ellis, Jessica Rizzi and Elizabeth Stranahan to get used to the rigors of Division I athletics and allow the newcomers to become a part of the veteran Cyclone squad.

For pictures from the Cyclones' intrasquad and other fun activities involving the Iowa State gymnasts click on the links slide-out tab located above.