The last time an MSU gymnast was named Big Ten Gymnast of the Year, the president of the United States was George HW Bush and "The Little Mermaid" was playing in theaters.
Eighteen years later, George HW Bush's son is the president and the films like "300" are in theaters. And another Spartan has been honored as the Big Ten Gymnast of the Year — senior Kristen Coleman.
"Winning this has been a really exciting conclusion to a really great year," Coleman said.
This season, she was twice named Big Ten Gymnast of the Week and she won the all-around competition five times.
"She had some great performances her senior year," MSU head coach Kathie Klages said. "She really deserved (this award), and I'm happy that other schools recognized all her hard work."
To win Big Ten Gymnast of the Year, the coaches in the Big Ten voice their opinions on who should be honored with the award.
"Each coach gets a say based on statistics, rankings and other factors," Coleman said. "This is really a huge honor. I am so happy."
Not only was Coleman honored for her individual performance, but the team also was recognized. No. 19 MSU earned a trip to the NCAA Central Regional meet to be held April 14 at the University of Alabama.
This is the team's 17th regional appearance in school history and its fifth invitation in the past six seasons.
In order for the fourth-seeded Spartans to advance to the national competition April 27 in Salt Lake City, the team must place first or second at the regional meet.
"If we come out and do what we're capable of doing, we could have the opportunity to qualify for the championship," Klages said.
If MSU fails to advance beyond the regionals, Coleman can still earn a spot in the national championship by finishing as a top-two all-around competitor or by winning an event.
Coleman, who earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors in 2006, said she would love the chance to make it to the national championship. The opportunity means traveling, and that is one of Coleman's favorite parts about being on the team.
"(Coach) Kathie's crazy on road trips. She likes to pull us over and look at cows and scenery," Coleman said. "If there are mountains, you can guarantee we'll have to stop and look at them."
As for Coleman's favorite gymnastics event, she says she likes them all. Between the beam, floor, vault and bars — it's hard to select just one.
"I like performing all four because they all offer a different aspect of the sport — each one is a different challenge," Coleman said.
Though she loves competing, Coleman will be relieved to have a break from what she calls a "very demanding physical sport" once she graduates in May.
She will spend another year in East Lansing doing student-teaching to finish up her degree, then plans on being a biology and physical education teacher.
As for her team, Klages said her athletes are young, but have plenty of potential.
"We've had our ups and downs, but we certainly have improved the overall level of our program," Klages said. "Which was a big goal for me as a coach."
