Tears may flow when the No. 11 UA gymnastics team finishes off its regular season tonight at 7:30 against No. 21 Arkansas in McKale Center.
Honoring the seniors in the program will be the theme for the Gymcats (7-5-1, 2-3-1 Pacific 10 Conference), as Amanda Goins, Sheehan Lemley and Andi McCabe wrap up their regular-season careers. All three are excited for the team in the postseason, but realize it is the end of a chapter.
"They've been gymnasts for many, many years, and when it's winding down on you, it's a big change in your life," said head coach Bill Ryden.
McCabe is ranked No. 7 nationally on vault (9.935) and is also fourth in school history with an all-around high of 39.575.
"I'm excited but sad at the same time because I'm almost done with my career," said McCabe, who ranks her chances of crying as probable. "It went by so fast. I remember crying as a freshman."
Lemley will be participating on floor exercise in addition to her regular bars and beam routines. Her parents are in town to watch her final regular-season meet.
"It's been my life for so long, I can't imagine not doing (gymnastics)," Lemley said.
As a walk-on, Goins rarely competes, but her desire to help the team is second to none, according to Ryden. Goins said she loves to travel and meet people from around the country, as well as make close friends on the team.
"I feel like I was a freshman last week. I feel like I could do more," Goins said.
Arizona will also host both the Pac-10 Championships on March 20 and the NCAA Regional Championships for the south central region April 3.
"We are just looking for consistent, high-quality performances to replicate what we've done at other home meets," Ryden said.
Coming off a loss to No. 7 Florida on March 5, the Wildcats will compete in Tucson for the first time since beating California on Feb. 20. Arizona is 1-4-1 in the last six meets, while Arkansas (8-5, 2-4 Southeastern Conference) had lost five meets in a row before winning its home finale versus three opponents.
Facing its second SEC opponent in as many weeks, Arizona looks to have a strong performance at home while continuing to score over 196 as a team for the eighth-straight meet.
Nagging injuries are inevitable after 10 meets, but Ryden is confident Arizona can maintain the high scores through Arkansas and the postseason.
"The team we're putting on the floor is very good," he said. "That certainly says what kind of a team we have, and I really feel good about it."
The Razorbacks set a school record for team score at home last weekend (196.625). The team is only in its second year of existence.
Arizona's all-time high score is 197.375, which it scored at home last season versus Oklahoma. The Wildcats still rank No. 5 nationally on vault (49.335) and are No. 10 on beam (49.180).