University of Florida - Tower / Seminole Yearbook (Gainesville, FL)

1) R. Telford Newcomers Add Notoriety - Although the gymnastics team was extremely young in chronological years, it was the " oldest " team Coach Ernestine Weaver has put together since she came to Florida in 1979. In gymnastics, age was relative in terms of competitive experience. An 18- year-old with several international meets behind her was more mature than a 21-year-old with limited experience. This being the case, Coach Weaver ' s four new freshmen recruits were really her " oldest " athletes. Gymnast Anita Botnen topped the list of Florida ' s famous freshmen. Botnen, a native of Vancouver, British Columbia, was a top finisher at the 1984 Canadian Olympic Trials and later earned a spot on the Canadian Olympic Team. Other newcomers included Gina Stallone, Michelle Goodwin and Tammy Smith. All three gymnasts were members of the All USA National Gymnastics team. As a group, these freshmen composed one of the finest incoming classes in the history of women ' s collegiate gymnastics. Fresh talent was not the only reason the Lady Gators were favorites around the country. Six nationally known gymnasts returned from last season ' s fifth place NCAA team. Heading the list of returnees were two-time All-American Elfi Schlegal and NCAA floor exercise champion Maria Anz. Record holding vaulter Lana Marty, SEC beam titlist Kim Hillner and seniors Denise Lackey Roberts and Kelly McCoy rounded out the team. With Lana Marty on vault, Maria Anz on floor and a strong line-up of all- around freshman, the season was one of the best in Florida gymnastics history. — Tina Gonsalves 1) The Lady Gator gymnastics team was ranked second in the nation in preseason polls. 2) Junior Maria Anz is affectionately known as the queen of collegiate floor exercise. 3) Tammy Smith is one of Florida ' s famous freshman recruits. (Opposite page). 1) First row: Elfi Schlegal, Kelly McCoy, Michelle Goodwin, Anita Botnen, Maria Anz, Kris Boserup, assistant Ozzie Mensah. row: Coach Ernestine Weaver, Lana Marty, Kim Hillner, Tammy Smith, Gina Stallone, Denise Lackie Roberts, assistant coach Sharon Valley. (Opposite page). 2) Freshman Anita Botnen for Canada in the 1984 Olympics. 126 Gymnastics