2008 Woodie Awards
Long returns to competition in time for OU meet
Jordan Demmel
Issue date: 2/1/08 Section: Sports
Nebraska sophomore Sabrina Long competed for the first time in almost two years last week when the women's gymnastics team defeated Missouri, 196.675-195.35.
Long redshirted last season after being unable to compete because of a shoulder injury that required mid-season surgery.
After the surgery, Long figured she would completely recover but had to have another surgery and another setback.
Long said she questioned when she would be able to compete again. Now after all the hard times, Long said she is working through the injuries, and everything is getting easier again.
And tonight the Tulsa, Okla., native will get to compete in front of family, friends and old coaches as the Cornhuskers compete against No. 6 Oklahoma in Norman, Okla.
The Huskers lead OU 59-17 in the all-time series, which dates back to 1981.
The latest installment should be particularly memorable for Long. She said that after doing gymnastics her whole life, her family hasn't seen her in the gym in two years.
"I came to Nebraska to do gymnastics," she said. "They're really excited to see me compete again."
Last week, Long did an exhibition performance on the beam. She didn't receive a score for the performance, but she said she was happy with how she did. The sophomore said her shoulder is feeling better, and practices went well this week.
Everything's finally getting better again.
"I think I feel more confident this week," she said, "because I remembered what meets were like, and I tried to put more pressure on myself at practice."
Long will preform another exhibition routine on beam tonight.
Long isn't the only Husker with ties to Oklahoma. NU senior Emily Parsons lived in Stillwater for a while, and assistant coach Danna Durante is from Tulsa.
"I enjoy going back," Durante said, "because it's fun for family and friends to see us in action."
During her collegiate career, Durante said her parents weren't really involved when she competed for Arizona State from 1992 to 1995.
Durante said her parents enjoy watching the Huskers compete, and she's glad to get to share the experience with her family.
The family and friends in red should have a lot to cheer about, because the Huskers feel like they can come out on top.
NU Coach Dan Kendig said the team had some quality time in the gym this week and added that he feels the team's confidence is continuing to improve. The Huskers are ranked 12th in the nation as they head into their final Big 12 Conference matchup of the season.
Kendig said Oklahoma has done a good job this year and has been the team to beat in the Big 12 this season.
After tonight's meet, the Huskers will compete on Thursday at the Bob Devaney Sports Center against Michigan.
In the second month of the season, Kendig said the team has accomplished a lot of the goals it set out to at the beginning of the season.
"If the team feels confident going in," Kendig said, "we'll get it done."
JORDANDEMMEL@DAILYNEBRASKAN.COM
Long redshirted last season after being unable to compete because of a shoulder injury that required mid-season surgery.
After the surgery, Long figured she would completely recover but had to have another surgery and another setback.
Long said she questioned when she would be able to compete again. Now after all the hard times, Long said she is working through the injuries, and everything is getting easier again.
And tonight the Tulsa, Okla., native will get to compete in front of family, friends and old coaches as the Cornhuskers compete against No. 6 Oklahoma in Norman, Okla.
The Huskers lead OU 59-17 in the all-time series, which dates back to 1981.
The latest installment should be particularly memorable for Long. She said that after doing gymnastics her whole life, her family hasn't seen her in the gym in two years.
"I came to Nebraska to do gymnastics," she said. "They're really excited to see me compete again."
Last week, Long did an exhibition performance on the beam. She didn't receive a score for the performance, but she said she was happy with how she did. The sophomore said her shoulder is feeling better, and practices went well this week.
Everything's finally getting better again.
"I think I feel more confident this week," she said, "because I remembered what meets were like, and I tried to put more pressure on myself at practice."
Long will preform another exhibition routine on beam tonight.
Long isn't the only Husker with ties to Oklahoma. NU senior Emily Parsons lived in Stillwater for a while, and assistant coach Danna Durante is from Tulsa.
"I enjoy going back," Durante said, "because it's fun for family and friends to see us in action."
During her collegiate career, Durante said her parents weren't really involved when she competed for Arizona State from 1992 to 1995.
Durante said her parents enjoy watching the Huskers compete, and she's glad to get to share the experience with her family.
The family and friends in red should have a lot to cheer about, because the Huskers feel like they can come out on top.
NU Coach Dan Kendig said the team had some quality time in the gym this week and added that he feels the team's confidence is continuing to improve. The Huskers are ranked 12th in the nation as they head into their final Big 12 Conference matchup of the season.
Kendig said Oklahoma has done a good job this year and has been the team to beat in the Big 12 this season.
After tonight's meet, the Huskers will compete on Thursday at the Bob Devaney Sports Center against Michigan.
In the second month of the season, Kendig said the team has accomplished a lot of the goals it set out to at the beginning of the season.
"If the team feels confident going in," Kendig said, "we'll get it done."
JORDANDEMMEL@DAILYNEBRASKAN.COM
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