ERIC M. JUKELEVICS/Arizona Daily Wildcat Arizona senior gymnast Randi Liljenquist performs in the floor exercise while her teammates and coaches cheer her on. After a senior season that saw her become one of the most accomplished gymnasts in Arizona history, Liljenquist will prepare for her new role as an assistant coach next season.

The Arizona gymnastics team (19-13) capped off its season this past weekend by competing in the semifinals of the NCAA Championships in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

UA was one of 12 teams competing over the weekend, which saw Alabama claim this year's championship. The Crimson Tide was followed in the final standings by Georgia in second and UCLA - which won the title the previous two years - in third place.

Entering the season with an excess of young, unproven talent, Arizona made strides all season long, culminating in a run for the championship. The Wildcats looked to veteran leadership from its three senior tri-captains, along with the help of some freshman faces picking up the slack.

Liljenquist named All-America for second time

Randi Liljenquist capped off a stellar senior season by being named second-team All-America for her work on the bars.

She also received All-America honors in 2000 as a sophomore for her performance in the all-around competition.

Liljenquist is arguably the most celebrated gymnast in UA history, setting school records this season in the all-around (39.775), beam and bars, the latter two being perfect 10.000 scores.

"Randi had one of the best years in UA history," head coach Bill Ryden said. "For her to have that in her last year is really special for her as an athlete and all of us who had the opportunity to be a part of it."

Liljenquist was also named to the Pacific-10 All-Conference team for the floor exercise and all-around, along with earning honors as the 2002 South Central Region Gymnast of the Year.

"This season was a dream come true for me." Liljenquist said. "This team came together, and we've gone so far. I couldn't have asked for more for myself or the team."

Young guns help pave the way for next year

Almost as impressive as Liljenquist's season were the performances of the team's core of underclassmen. Six freshmen and eight sophomores occupied the Gymcat roster this season.

Paced by sophomore Andi McCabe and freshmen Monica Bisordi and Katie Johnson, with all three earning all-conference honors, the team looks to be in good hands for next season, despite the departure of Liljenquist.

After being named Pac-10 gymnast of the week following the Wildcats' upset win against top-ranked UCLA on January 29, Johnson continued her solid season en route to earning Pac-10 Freshman of the Year honors.

In addition to standouts McCabe, Bisordi and Johnson, freshmen Jamie Schell, Jamie Duce and Stevie Fanning were also instrumental to the team's success throughout the season.

Fanning, just 17 years old at the start of the season, came to the Wildcat squad from Phoenix after graduating early from high school. After just two practices, she was already competing for the Wildcats in January. While most of her high school counterparts were preparing for their senior prom, Fanning was on her way to the NCAA Championships in Alabama.

Ryden adds experience to coaching staff

Head coach Bill Ryden, who earlier this month was named both Pac-10 Coach of the Year and the South Central Region Coach of the Year, said he couldn't be happier with his team's performance this season.

"We've been working to reach this point for years," Ryden said. "The team started living up to its potential this season, and we look towards continuing that trend next year. We can build on this year and see if we can't push ourselves even farther next season."

In addition to current assistant coaches John York and Rose McLaughlin, Ryden will be adding a new face to his staff come next season. Liljenquist, who has completed her athletic eligibility here at UA, is still in the process of earning her bachelor's degree in family studies and human development. While she attends classes again next year, look for her on the sidelines during the Gymcat meets in her new role as an assistant coach.

"This team is determined. They are all going to improve greatly this offseason," Liljenquist said. "We have a few newly recruited girls coming in, and with the girls that are returning, I have no doubt that the team will do as well if not better."