After a much-needed two weeks off, the UCLA women’s gymnastics team heads into an exciting month of competitions that will include a trip to Georgia to take on the defending national champions. Coming off of two stellar performances against Pac-10 rivals Washington and Oregon State, the team hopes to pick up where it left off as it takes on Cal State Fullerton on Friday. “The focus has been great the past two weeks. We’ve watched a lot of film, and our athletes have really cued into the areas where they can make improvements,” coach Valorie Kondos Field said. However, the team will have to continue to compete without its veterans. The reigning NCAA all-around champion, sophomore Tasha Schwikert, is still recovering, and it could be several weeks before she gets into the action. Junior Michelle Selesky is also out with an ankle injury and will not be available to compete in the near future. But the team is ready to move forward and prepare for whatever comes its way. Junior Ashley Peckett has been training on the beam and the floor and may be able to contribute in those two events. Sophomore Jordan Schwikert will continue her return from shoulder surgery this weekend, making her first appearance on the floor this season. “We have a hard month ahead of us, so it is very important that the girls stay focused and stay healthy because we don’t have any other girls to just turn to right now,” Kondos Field said.
BRUINS TO HOST WOODEN CHALLENGE: On Feb. 12, UCLA will host Washington in the first John Wooden Challenge, honoring academic and athletic excellence. “We are really excited about this meet. We are very honored to have his name associated with one of our meets and we look forward to a great evening,” Field said. Coach Wooden, who regularly attends the women’s gymnastics’ meets, will be there to commend athletes for their outstanding performances both in and out of the gym. He will also present them with copies of his book, “Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success.”