Tuesday, April 08, 2008

   The Utes' gymnastics team had a welcome sight at practice Tuesday, with junior Nina Kim walking without crutches. Kim sprained her ankle in practice Friday and the severity of it makes her doubtful for Saturday's NCAA regional competition at Minnesota. She still had a limp Tuesday, but she is recovering quickly and is determined to make a case to coach Greg Marsden that she should get a spot in the lineup by practicing. "I'm not going to talk to him about it, I'm going to show him through workouts I can do it," she said. "I want to show him I can at least do some dismounts." Kim was talking about doing dismounts off the uneven bars, the first event in which she could compete. You have to admire Kim's drive, but Marsden said he wouldn't risk exposing Kim to more potential injuries, preferring she focus on getting healthy for the NCAA Championships. "I'm encouraged but more for nationals than this weekend," Marsden said. "If she can go, I wouldn't hold her back, but I'd still say it's doubtful."

    Hoping to capture the momentum of popularity the gymnastics team enjoyed this season, season tickets for 2009 already are on sale. Highlights on the schedule include a season opener against UCLA and meets against Michigan and Florida. And speaking of ticket sales, the NCAA Championships are almost sold out, with only about 300 left, so if you haven't gotten tickets yet and are going, you better get them.