An Enjoyable Fall

Putting the Pieces Together!

After a well-deserved summer break, we have another great group together. There is a strong core returning from last year’s outstanding team, even though losing Jennifer Frederick and LaTrice Walker left some holes to fill. It has been fun to still see them around , as they both live close to campus! LaTrice is finishing up school with Student Teaching and Jenn is working part time for UIC Athletics. Having 14 returnees is a great feeling. It is also great to have Sara Casica, Amy August, and Cheryl Rubinger back at more than full speed from last year’s injuries. In addition to the 14 individuals, also returning is the valuable experience that was gained last year from each team member throughout the championship season!

Newcomers

We’re also very excited for our freshmen additions to this year’s team. Jenny White joins us from Loyola Academy and Elk Grove Gymnastics School. Atlin Mitchell is from Flicka Gymnastics Club in Vancouver, British Columbia. Jenny was a level 10 gymnast and a vault finalist at the State High School Championships. Atlin was a member of the Canadian National Teams from 1991 through 1997, representing Canada in several National and International competitions. Both have brought great personalities and a willingness to work hard to the team, along with some great skills! Unfortunately, however, Atlin just re-injured a previous knee problem and will have to spend this year getting it back in top shape. We all look forward to watching her beautiful gymnastics out on the Flames floor in the future!

The Fall

After the usual 3 weeks of running, circuit training, weights, and basics, we were ready to start the “real stuff.” Several new skills were being introduced that would upgrade both difficulty and consistency. Those skills are almost already in place within the routines and we are taking the right steps towards continuing last years success. We were also happy to announce that Kim Ball and Chrissy Johnston will take on the additional position of this year’s co-captains! Our Flames Team was also involved in some volunteer fund-raising for Shape Magazine in Lincoln Park. They also donated some time to take part in the Chris Zorich Thanksgiving Food Drive! In mid-December we will work with the Boys and Girls Club of Chicago to put together a workshop for some of their girls. We will also visit the UIC Hospital to try to bring some holiday spirit to the children that will have to spend their holidays there. We also had some fun together when we did some playful aerobic training in the pool one day,and then tried out another sport together when we went Candlelight Bowling!

The Brick Campaign

We are very excited to invite you to be part of a new project started last year by Pat Ryan in Development. A BRICK WALKWAY will be created both in front of the new FLAMES ATHLETIC CENTER, as well as in the back of the building leading out to the remodeled South Fields. This really is a wonderful way to “etch in stone” a memorable occasion, team, or teammate of yours or a UIC FLAME you know and are proud of! It can also honor, pay tribute or give thanks to someone who has supported a FLAME, as well! You might want to consider giving one as a special, lasting gift! Your gift will also be a DIRECT contribution to UIC Women’s Gymnastics! This is a terrific way to visibly show your support or thanks for someone, which will always remain in the pathway of many future UIC Flames! This project is also designed to take the former burden of Sport-a-Thon off the athletes’ shoulders. If you have not received the information, please let us know or call Pat Ryan directly at 312-996-5633. Thank you for your support!

Y2K Preview

On December 4th we will put our routines on display at the annual Mixed Team Competition. It will kick off at 2:00pm at PEB and we feel very confident that you will be impressed by what this year’s team has to offer! Don’t miss this opportunity to get a head start on getting to know this year’s team. It is also a good time to schedule a post-meet get-together with other alumni that you have thought of calling and getting together with, but just can never seem to find the right opportunity. We would all love to see you! Hope to see you there!

Updating Data

We are also trying to finish this year off by bringing all our records up to date so that everyone has the opportunity to follow and support their Flames. If you know of anyone that doesn’t receive his or her information PLEASE LET US KNOW so we can update any addresses that need to be! THANKS!

Peter Jansson
901 W. Roosevelt Rd.
Chicago, IL 60608
312-996-3557
pjansson@uic.edu

Pictures For Web Site

We are still trying to put together a picture gallery on the web. We have received some pictures from you, but need more. Send us a gymnastics picture that you would want posted, with your name and years at UIC on the back. Or if you have it on the computer, you can e-mail it to: pjansson@uic.edu.

Follow The Flames On The Web!

We will continue to keep you updated on how we are doing through our web site at www.uic.edu/depts/sports/. Here you can find bios, results, record, notes, & newsletters! Looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you throughout the season!

Recruiting Updates

We have also just completed the early signing period. It has been an exciting fall season with a strong Illinois class to recruit from. Knowing we will be losing 4 seniors this year, we are really excited to already have commitments from 3 terrific gymnasts! With their help next year, UIC will continue to excel. They are Megan Fey from Energym / St Charles High School, Stacey Magiera from American Academy / Barrington High School and Rachel Smith from GymSpot / Mundelein High School. Not only are they a great group of talented gymnasts, but they are all excellent students and wonderful people, too! We are thrilled to have them join us on our team next year!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! We look forward to seeing you and hearing from you! Take good care!