Central Michigan University Athletics
Verrinder Looks To Build On Strong Freshman Season
1/31/2001 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
Jan. 31, 2001
For most athletes, a college freshman year consists of learning the ropes and waiting for a chance to contribute to their team. Central Michigan University gymnast Tammy Verrinder wasn't quite so patient.
Verrinder tied for first in the vault at the Mid-American Conference championships during her freshman campaign to earn first team All-MAC honors and help lift the Chippewas to their third consecutive MAC title. She didn't stop there and went on to set school records in the vault (9.90) and bars (9.90) and also claimed first team All-NIT accolades to cap off a tremendous freshman year. She even surprised herself.
"I accomplished more than I ever thought I would," said Verrinder. "It was a stretch of the imagination."
Originally from London, Ontario, Verrinder got her first taste of gymnastics at the age of 10. Her club experiences throughout high school saw her compete against future CMU gymnasts Selina Nickason and Nikki Liphardt. When asked why her high school carries the name Assumption College, Verrinder humorously explained, "If it was called Assumption Secondary School, our school abbreviation would have been a bit inappropriate on our letter jackets."
Verrinder's transistion to CMU and transistion to being a college student-athlete went pretty well, although there were some bumps along the way. "(Being a student-athlete) was very strenuous until I got used to it. My first semester was rough until I learned better ways of time management," she explained.
Even so, Verrinder enjoys a wide range of support from her team and family. Her parents, who still reside in Canada, drive to see her at every meet, even as far as Kentucky and Alabama. "They are very supportive of me and love the sport of gymnastics," said Verrinder.
Head Coach Jerry Reighard, who has guided the Chippewa gymnasts to eight MAC titles during his tenure, also is a source of support. "He's not like your normal college coach," said Verrinder. "Most coaches just want you to maintain whereas Jerry wants you to expand. He is a great motivational coach."
Walking by the gymnastics room in Rose Arena, it is not uncommon to hear the team yelling encouragement to one another at practice. "We get along really well, like sisters," said Verrinder. "If you have enemies on your team, there is no way you will come together and win."
Verrinder aspires to continue in her successful ways and has goals to repeat her MAC title and perhaps add another, and hopefully head to nationals with her team or as an individual. Qualifying for NCAAs in gymnastics is quite a task since in individual events only the regional winner advances, and only the top six continue on in the all-around event.
While she has not decided on a major yet, Verrinder is considering pursuing a degree in journalism. Her post collegiate aspirations may lie more on the coaching side than on continuing competing. With three seasons of eligibility remaining after such a great start, Verrinder will no doubt have plenty more accolades to add to her already impressive credentials in the years to come.
by: Jeff DeLong, Sports Information Assistant
