March 1, 2005

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Sophomore Cara Pomeroy was named Big Ten Co-Gymnast of the Week by the conference office Tuesday afternoon. This marks the first time an Illini gymnast has been named Big Ten Gymnast of the Week since Jan. 9, 2002 when senior Ashley Williams received the honor her rookie season.

The honor is the first for the Ottawa, Ontario native, who earned the accolade after capturing first place on bars and beam last weekend at the Texas Women's Quad meet. Pomeroy posted season-high scores on both events with a 9.950 on bars and a 9.850 on beam to lead the Illini to a first place team finish. On the season, Pomeroy has captured six event titles with four coming on bars and two on beam.

Pomeroy's 9.950 is her highest bars score since March 20, 2004 when she made Illini history by scoring the first perfect 10.0. The score also earned Pomeroy a regional title, which was the Illini's first since gymnast Nancy Thies' captured four titles in 1977.

Pomeroy shares this week's accolade with Penn State's Lisa Clark.

Pomeroy and the Illini are back at home this Sunday for a 2 p.m. match up hosting Northern Illinois in Huff Hall.