BYU Faces SUU at First Home Meet

PROVO -- The BYU gymnastics team returns to their first home meet against Southern Utah University this Friday at 7:30 pm in the Marriott Center.

"It will be a great meet," said BYU coach Brad Cattermole. "They [SUU] are one of the more underrated teams in the country."

Southern Utah will open its 2005 season against BYU. Last year the Thunderbirds finished second in the Western Gymnastics Conference and fourth at the NCAA North Central Regional. Coach Cattermole believes BYU will have to be on its guard on Friday.

" They are very well coached, and they can beat you if you don't pay attention," said Cattermole.

However, BYU had a strong opener last week with some impressive performances at the Cancun Classic hosted by Oklahoma University. Junior Lisa Willis tied her career high on bars with 9.850. Kandis Kelly performed the same on beam, tying her career high of 9.725.

Senior and co-captain Jamie Mabray had a good performance in Cancun, placing second overall in the all-around competition (39.150). Marie-Helene Claveau was not far behind, scoring an even 39.000.

After redshirting last season, Dayna Smart made her first collegiate appearance in Cancun tying for first place on beam (9.900). Improvement and great performances are expected from the team this season.

This week's meet time was changed to accommodate the funeral of team physician Dr. Matt Roush, who died in Cancun last weekend.

" It's something you have to deal with and move on, " Cattermole said.