Kim Gotlund
Northern Illinois junior Kim Gotlund (Wadsworth, Ill./Warren Township HS) has been named the Mid-American Conference Gymnast of the Week after recording the top day of her Huskie career Saturday versus No. 21 Kent State.
Gotlund earned her first MAC Gymnast of the Week honor after surpassing the 39-point mark in the all-around competition for the first time in her career with a 39.025. She took second place in the meet with the highest all-around score by an NIU gymnast since 2011.
“This award is very well-deserved,” said NIU head coach Sam Morreale.
“Not only is Kim a talented gymnast, she understands the work required to get there. She is always prepared going into a meet and it has been great to see her step up this season,” Morreale said. “She was a regional qualifier last year and we’ve been chasing consistency with her and that’s where she’s made the most improvement. She’s a great leader and a tremendous competitor.”
Gotlund capped off the meet versus Kent State by earning a season-high 9.850 on floor exercise, tying her career-best floor score, to tie for second place on the event. Prior to that, Gotlund recorded a career high 9.800 on balance beam to finish fifth on that event.
She started the day with a 9.675 on vault and stepped up for NIU with a 9.700 on uneven parallel bars. Over the last two competitions, Gotlund has set or tied her career high scores on bars, balance beam, floor exercise and in the all-around.
Gotlund
She is the third NIU gymnast to garner MAC weekly honors this season. Natasha Jufko and Jaelyn Olsen picked up the MAC Specialist of the Week award – given to a gymnast who competes in one or two events – on Jan. 13 and Feb. 20, respectively.
Gotlund and the Huskies will be in action at 5 p.m. Friday, March 1, at Victor E. Court in the NIU Convocation Center for the final home meet of 2013. Northern Illinois plays host to Eastern Michigan on Senior Night for Huskies Marisa Liptak and Natalie Sutter. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $5 for adults, $3 for youth and free for Northern Illinois students.
For more information on NIU gymnastics and Huskie athletics, visit www.niuhuskies.com.
