Jenkins
was an at-large qualifier in two events -- the vault and the floor exercise. The super
sophomore is tied for the 30th-best regional score (8.950) among the 32 competitors in the
vault. Jenkins is tied with three others for the last advancing score (8.700) in the
34-girl floor exercise.
By degree of difficulty, Moline coach Bob McDonald said the vault Jenkins performs is
worth a high score of 9.4. If done perfectly, that vault could offer a chance to advance.
Jenkins' career-best score, 9.2, only would vault to the top of the at-large list for this
sectional, though.
Jenkins is trying to follow in the footsteps of Moline's Sarah Burgett, who last season
became the Quad-Cities' first IHSA state gymnastics qualifier in back-to-back seasons
since Rocky's Tiffany Champman won five titles in 1992-93.
Three-time defending state champ Stevenson compiled the top regional team score in the
state last week -- an amazing 151.85.
No wonder. Stevenson boasts a trio of national caliber gymnasts, including Olympic
hopeful Lindsay Borkan, who is rated seventh nationally. That makes this sectional a
gauntlet to survive.
However, Rock Island/Alleman combined coach Brooke Jackson said it last week -- Rocky's
Muskeyvalley is getting healthy finally at the right time of the season. The super
sophomore missed six weeks with strained ligaments in her back.
Muskeyvalley was an automatic advancer at the Mundelein Regional, finishing top five in
the vault (3rd at 9.275), the bars (4th at 8.825) and all-around (4th at 35.425). She also
was an at-large qualifier on the floor (27th overall in a 33-girl field with a 8.950).
Alleman's Mack is entered in two events, too -- earning an automatic berth on the floor
(4th at her regional with a 9.025), and ranking 31st among 32 all-around competitors with
an at-large score of 34.4750.
