The Red and Black

By SCOTT HARTMAN Staff Writer

For Stacey Galloway, this season was supposed to be full of firsts.

The junior who was part of head coach Suzanne Yoculan's "Super Six" was to compete on all four events for the first time in her collegiate career and help the team to its first NCAA title since 1993.

But instead of experiencing those accomplishments for the first time, the Brampton, Ontario, native tore her anterior cruciate ligament for the second time in her career on her uneven bars dismount in the Gym Dogs' meet against UCLA.

"I warmed up and it felt fine," Galloway said. "I was flying through and it felt great and then I landed the dismount. As soon as I landed, I felt it."

Galloway, who received a score of 9.825 for the routine, said she still remembers the difference between her expression and that of head coach Suzanne Yoculan.

"I knew it as soon as I landed," Galloway said. "I turned and (coach Yoculan) has this big energizing look on her face."

But Yoculan said Galloway could tell immediately something was wrong.

"She knew right away," Yoculan said. "I looked at her and she had this stunned look on her face, so I knew something was wrong. "

The transition from prime-time player to cheerleader is a move Galloway said has been difficult.

"I went from competing on four events for the first time to nothing," Galloway said. "That's a totally different role to play, and unfortunately I'm not playing it very well. It's just weird because I can't really do anything. I'm kind of in limbo."

As the Gym Dogs gun for a fourth national championship, Galloway said she misses the atmosphere and thrill of competition more than the physical activity.

"I wouldn't really say I miss gymnastics per se," she said. "I had the whole fall training and bonding thing. I miss competing and getting pumped up."

When an athlete gets injured, he or she can sometimes fade into the background, Galloway said. She wants to avoid that fading.

"People tend to kind of forget about you when you are hurt," Galloway said. "They have a different outlook on you. It's kind of like a kick in the face sometimes, but you have to deal with it."

With the loss of this year's eligibility, Galloway has just one season left to shine for the Gym Dogs.

"You thought you had two years left, and now you only have one," Galloway said. "It's kind of like 'Oh my God! Now what?'"

It's Yoculan's hope that with one year left, Galloway will pull through this obstacle and shine during her senior year.

"I'd like to think that the adversity Stacey has experienced this year will make her that much better next year," Yoculan said. "Adversity can really motivate you if you get right back in there and get back on track with a goal in mind. I think Stacey will be a great contributor next season."

Galloway said her comeback from the first injury is an experience that drives her desire to return next year.

"I know I can't leave like this," she said. "I can't walk out or retire that way, because I didn't retire from international gymnastics that way."

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