Morgan Dennis Named SEC Gymnast of the Week
1/26/2010 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
Jan. 26, 2010
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Alabama All-American Morgan Dennis was named the Southeastern Conference Gymnast of the Week, the league office announced today, after leading her team to the nation's No. 1 ranking this week.
"I think it's exciting," Alabama head coach Sarah Patterson said. "When you see a team that's No. 1 in the country and they've won their third meet against an SEC opponent and a gymnast like Morgan helps elevate her team to that level, I think she's deserving of this award."
Dennis scored a 39.675 to win the all-around against Arkansas and led Alabama to the nation's highest team score, 197.450. Dennis' mark was the second highest of her career and included a career-best 9.975 on the vault and a 9.95 on the floor exercise. She also posted Alabama's top score of the night on the balance beam, a 9.875.
The Westampton, N.J., native is the third Alabama gymnast in as many weeks to earn a conference honor. Ashley Sledge was named SEC Freshman Gymnast of the Week after the Tide's opener at Auburn and Ricki Lebegern earned SEC Gymnast of the Week honors after the Tide beat defending NCAA Champion Georgia.
After two straight weeks at home, Dennis and her teammates head back out on the road this weekend for a rare Saturday contest, taking on Penn State and Minnesota in University Park, Pa., at 7 p.m. ET.
Players Mentioned
