Junior gymnast Taylor Seaman competed in the NCAA Championships in Lincoln, Neb., late last week and kept this journal of her experiences there.
Tuesday, April 14 We (coaches Mark Stevenson, Todd Henry and I) arrived in Lincoln, Neb., today around noon. It was a day devoted to welcoming the teams and individuals, so there was no scheduled practice. Half of the teams stay in one hotel and half are in another. The individual competitors were randomly placed between the two. I was able to get settled in, relax and check out the area. I had been to the University of Nebraska before but never when the sun was shining! Me and a girl from WVU who I know from competing in the EAGL roomed together because neither of us had a team.
Wednesday, April 15 There were four scheduled practices today. Four teams in each session, plus a separate session for the event qualifiers. There were only four individuals at nationals who won an event at regionals, not on a qualifying team. Three of us practiced the floor exercise while one practiced bars. It was quite different from any other practice session considering there was only four girls working out.
Thursday, April 16 Today was the premilimary competition. There were two sessions and I competed in the second. I rotated with the University of Illinois. They were a group of great girls who made me feel like part of their team. However, no one could replace my Wolfpackers! I didn't realize how difficult it would be to compete without my team. They are such an excellent support system and the confidence they give me was truly missed. Although, I know they were at home cheering me on. Thanks, girls! I wish that I would have performed better, but all I could ask for is the opportunity to be able to compete at the NCAA Championship.
Friday, April 17 Because I wasn't competed any more this weekend, we had all day to shop and eat. The Super Six finals were in the evening and it was so exciting to watch. All of the teams were so enthuastic and the fans were crazy. It was really an awesome experience that I wish I could have had with my team. The University of Georgia captured there fifth consecutive win at NCAAs. Congrats, Gymdogs!
Overall, it was such an amazing experience. It definetly made me more aware of what the Wolfpack are capable of. All of the teams and coaches were extremely supportive of me and the other individual competitors.
Courtesy: NC State
