March 21, 2007

PARL RIDGE, Ill. - Michigan State senior Kristen Coleman has been named the Big Ten Gymnast of the Week, as announced by the conference office on Wednesday. Coleman currently ranks tied for sixth in the nation in the all-around with a season RQS (Regional Qualifying Score) average of 39.420. The award is the second this season for the Cornwall, Ontario, native, and marks the fifth Spartan Gymnast of the Week honoree this season, as freshman Nicole Curler garnered the honor on Jan. 17, Coleman won the award on Jan. 31, and Rochelle Robinson garnered the weekly laurel on Feb. 7 and 14.

"Kristen Coleman has been on fire this season," Spartan head coach Kathie Klages said. "This is the second time this year she has broken the all-around record, a record that had been in place for over ten years. We are thrilled that she has been named the Big Ten Gymnast of the Week for the second time. This is a very deserving recognition after such a successful double weekend of competition."

Coleman earns her second Gymnast of the Week award after breaking the Michigan State record in the all-around for the second time this season. She tallied a 39.625 to capture first place on the event versus in-state rival Western Michigan on March 18. She captured three individual event titles (bars, floor, all-around) and tied for first on the balance beam. Her 9.950 on floor versus the Broncos also set a new career-best on the apparatus. Coleman finished second in the all-around against No. 2 Florida to begin weekend competition.

"Kristen Coleman has been on fire this season!" Head Coach Kathie Klages

Coleman earned her first Gymnast of the Week accolade after breaking a 10-year-old school record by tallying a score of 39.525 to win the all-around competition at the Flip For The Cure Meet on Jan. 27. The senior tumbler notched then career-highs with a first-place performance on the uneven bars (9.950), while also claiming the balance beam title (9.850). In addition, Coleman tied for first on the floor exercise with teammate Nicole Curler (9.850).

The 19th-ranked Spartans host No. 23 NC State in the regular-season finale at Jenison Field House this Friday. Senior night festivities will take place after the conclusion of the meet.