NORMAN Carly WoodardRemembers the chills she felt as she walked out of the tunnel for the top-ranked OU match against No. 2 UCLA.
Woodard stated that it was amazing to see the LNC stuffed that year. We had never seen anywhere near 10,000 fans.
It’s always fun to compete at your home when you have that type of electric environment. It almost feels like security. You feel at home.
In a victory in women’s gymnastics over the Bruins, the Sooners broke the programs attendance record.
It just created an atmosphere that was super special, and super fun, said Emma LaPinta of OU, a freshman for 2019.
Woodard and LaPinta expect to enjoy a similar atmosphere Friday when the No. 2 Sooners host No. 1 Michigan at 7 :45 p.m. at Lloyd Noble Center
“It was a really lengthy process”:How Danae Fletcher, a OU gymnast, overcame a lot of adversity in order to make her mark
Woodard also hopes to recreate another aspect of that night and that season, the burning fire to bring back the national championship after the bitter disappointment of the season before.
The Sooners were expecting to win at the national championship finals in 2018.
UCLA won the title by.0375 over OU.
Last season’s championship was once more razor thin. It came down to the Wolverines pulling off a 198.2500-198.1625.
After last year’s injury-plagued season, these Sooners havent viewed that as motivation.
Even in these circumstances, Woodard still wants to rekindle the same spirit against the Wolverines and as the OU ramps up preparations for the postseason.
Woodard said that the 2018 season was fuelled by that experience. This season, Woodard hopes to bring that same energy towards the national championship. But going into this weekend, we were super focused on doing our best in gymnastics and knowing we can do what it takes to compete. Because we have incredible talent on this team.
More:Three things you need to know about the 2022 OU Men’s Gymnastics Team
Friday’s meet ends a critical three week stretch that began with a podium meet in Fort Worth, where the championship was held in mid-April. This was followed by a road race at No. 3 Florida last Wednesday and now Norman is the destination for the top-ranked national team.
It will be the final meeting between Woodard and LaPinta as Sooners.
LaPinta could have returned, but she chose to continue her post-athletic career.
LaPinta said that he has given everything to the sport, and to the sport in general, over the past four years. And I am excited for the next chapter. It’s exciting to see the end of this season. We still have big goals to reach. My focus is still there, but the next chapter is coming and it’s exciting.
LaPinta has not competed since Jan. 14, after she started the season competing on the floor at the first two meets.
Woodard made the decision late last season to return in 2022, but he was not completely settled on the decision until after senior night.
K.J., Sooners coach Woodard was interested in returning to the Sooners after missing a lot of last season due to a broken foot.
Woodard stated that her experience was a great learning opportunity.
Woodard said that it gave her a new perspective on the team. I have learned a lot about myself through my different role on the team. I feel like I can help the girls out there competing and pushing them even further.
No. 1 Michigan at Number 2 Oklahoma
If you go:Friday, 7:45 p.m. at Lloyd Noble Center Norman (ESPN2)
