2005 GMW at Big Ten Championships -- Postgame Quotes
3/26/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
Michigan Head Coach Bev Plocki
On her 13th Big Ten championship ... "It's a relief. It wasn't the outstanding performance that we expected, but it was good enough for the victory. The Big Ten is one of the best gymnastics conferences in the country."
On Katie Lieberman and Elise Ray's conference awards ... "I was thrilled with both awards. Everyone could predict and everyone expected Elise to win. There was no gray area there. She has done more for Big Ten gymnastics than any other athlete in the history of the program. We were so excited for Katie because she didn't expect to win the award. It gives her instant respect from the conference's coaches."
On the contributions of Becca Clauson ... "More than any other athlete, we've come to count on Becca to be a solid performer. When she's on there is not a doubt in our mind that she can get it done. We moved her up in the beam order last week and she nailed her rotuine after a fall in the routine before her. She did that again tonight. You have to respect her toughness."
On the upcoming NCAA Regionals ... "I haven't given it much thought yet. I'd love to go to New Hampshire because we have an alum there who just had a baby. It looked like we would be headed to Gainesville (Florida), but I'm not sure how this weekend's results will alter that."
Freshman Katie Leiberman, Big Ten Freshman of the Year
On Michigan's Big Ten title ... "It was exciting to win, especially after a few mess-ups. We pulled together as a team and won. It was great."
On her Freshman of the Year award ... "All I can say is, 'Wow.' I was standing up there on the podium with the other nominees and I didn't expect my name to be called. When I heard them say my name I had no idea what to do. I am so happy that the conference coaches voted for me. It's an honor."
On the atmosphere of the Big Ten Championships ... "It was a different atmosphere. I liked our dance parties during the byes. It helps us focus on the events afterwards. There was tons of support from the crowd and the atmosphere was amazing."
Junior Becca Clauson, Big Ten Floor Exercise Co-Champion
On her first Big Ten individual title ... "I was thrilled and surprised to win. It was a good routine and I had a lot of fun. That was the best crowd we've had all year."
On looking ahead to regionals ... "I never really think ahead. I go out and perform my best and do as much as I can for the team. Anywhere we go, I'll be happy."
Fifth-Year Senior Elise Ray, Big Ten Co-Gymnast of the Year
On her fifth Big Ten team title ... "It's always very exciting. This is my last title so it's very special. It's quite an honor to win five titles."
On her all-around title ... "I was pleasantly surprised, but I focussed on the team goals so much that it really didn't occur to me. I don't pay much attention to individual honors."
On her teammates ... "Becca was amazing tonight. The last two meets she had to follow a fall on beam and she hit both times. Her floor title was huge. She's a tough cookie and as cool as a cucumber. Nellie Kippley was excellent in her leadoff role. Katie Lieberman was excellent on vault, and Lindsey Bruck continues to be consistent on every event when we need it the most."
On her Big Ten legacy ... "Along the lines of gymnastics, I want my style to be remembered above all. I hope that I have added a little bit of my style to the sport. Off the floor, I hope that I created a sense of leadership at Michigan for my teammates to follow. I also hope that I pushed the Big Ten as a whole to make us an even better conference. If I could add anything to Big Ten gymnastics or college gymnastics, it would be an honor."
Players Mentioned
