Sidelines

Emotions were high as Gault bid a farewell to his team with a special gift to each member. The floor exercise mat on which the gymnasts perform had been falling apart and Gault decided to offer his team a symbol of the memories they shared.

The entire Wildcat squad including the assistant coaches received a small metal bolt engraved with the word "Gymcats" and the years in which Gault acted as Arizona's head coach.

All-American junior Kristin McDermott was awarded the Kristin E. Webber Award and senior Tenli Poggemeyer, who received All-American honors at the NCAA National Championships last month, received the Golden "A" Award. The Golden "A" honors the gymnast who displayed excellence in all aspects of the sport, including on and off the floor and in the classroom.

The night was capped off with a tribute to the seniors from the juniors on behalf of the whole team as well as a highlight video of the Wildcats' season.

Briefly

Last month, the UA athletic department put on its traditional Malfunction for the entire McKale staff. The half-day outdoor picnic brought together members of the ICA administration, training room, coaching staff and C.A.T.S. coordinators for a day of fun under the sun.

The event, which had not been held for a couple of years, was brought back in full swing at Ft. Lowell Park. Almost everyone, whether they were former All-Americans or first-time athletes, participated in the numerous games such as softball, volleyball, and "Balderdash."

Former softball player Amy Chellevold, who now serves as the team's assistant coach, commented on the pressure to perform well among her co-workers.

"Everyone expected me to play (softball) really well but I'm not comfortable with slow pitch," she said.

By the Numbers

24:

The number of times the UA softball team has beaten an opponent using the NCAAs mercy rule this season, including yesterday's 8-0 win in five innings over California.