Healthy Vanderpool dominates

What a difference a return to health has made for Southeast Missouri State gymnast Taryn Vanderpool.

Vanderpool missed various amounts of time with foot problems during her first two years at Southeast.

Vanderpool, now totally healthy, is having an impressive season -- and she continued it in a big way during Friday night's 193.425-192.875 home loss to Illinois State.

The junior from Lenexa, Kan., posted a career-high score of 39.025 to win the all-around competition. She was first on bars with a season-high 9.850, was second on beam (9.725) and tied for second on vault (9.775).

"It was really exciting," Vanderpool said.

Vanderpool is excited that her health has not been an issue this year, which has led to by far her best collegiate season yet.

Vanderpool has finished either first or second in the all-around in all six meets this year. She has scored at least 38.450 in every competition and has set her career high three times, topped by Friday's performance.

"Being healthy definitely helps," said Vanderpool, named Midwest Independent Conference gymnast of the week twice already this season.

Vanderpool leads Southeast with nine first-place finishes this season. She leads the Redhawks with 15 scores of 9.700 or higher, something she did 13 total times in her first two seasons. She has either set or tied career highs on vault and beam in addition to the all-around.

"At practices she listens. She's focused, she's determined," Southeast coach Kristi Ewasko said. "She really wants to influence the team this year. She's been making a big statement.

"I think she's had just one or two mishaps. Overall I'm really happy with what she's doing."

Ewasko, asked if she has been surprised by Vanderpool's success this year, said: "Yes and no. I knew she was capable."

Vanderpool came to Southeast as a walk-on, although like many of the Redhawks she was on some form of academic scholarship. She was placed on athletic scholarship following last season and now is thriving.

"We rewarded her with a scholarship and she's stepped up to the plate even more," Ewasko said.

Senior Emma Garrett also had a strong meet for Southeast, winning floor with a season-high 9.800. She also tied for second on vault with a season-high 9.775.

"I've really been working on consistency. I think tonight it showed it's all paid off," Garrett said.

Freshman Taylor Penzien continued her solid rookie season. She was third on floor (9.725) and had a career high on bars (9.775) to tie for fourth.

Junior Megan Fosnow had a season high on bars (9.775) to tie for fourth. She was also fourth on vault (9.775).

Southeast (2-4) had its second-highest team score of the season but couldn't quite keep up with defending Midwest Independent Conference champion ISU.

"I'd like it [the scores] to be a little bit higher but every week there's something we're improving on," Ewasko said.

Southeast now has more than a week off before visiting Illinois State Feb. 24 for a rematch.