sophomores

this is
MSU GYMNASTICS

freshmen
2008 michigan state gymnastics 
table of CONTENTS
2008 Roster.................................................4
2008 Preview...............................................5
Jenison Field House.....................................6
Megan NcNally.................................... 20-21
Dani Fanning........................................ 22-23
Katlyn Roggensack............................... 24-25
Megan Bergland.................................. 26-27
Nicole Curler........................................ 28-29
Melanie Hunt....................................... 30-31
Emily Lopatofsky.................................. 32-33

53
Kelly Moffitt......................................... 34-35
Rochelle Robinson............................... 36-37
Nicole Argiros............................................38

7 Elise Craig..................................................39
Head Coach Kathie Klages....................... 8-9
Associate Head Coach Randy Lane............10
Assistant Coach Katie Teft..........................11
Support Staff....................................... 12-14
Nicole Heikkila...........................................40
Kathryn Mahoney......................................41
Kelsey Morley............................................42
Kristyn Moskal...........................................43
Spartan Head Shot Identification..............44
All-Time High Scores............................ 54-55
All-Time Letterwinners..............................56
All-Time Series Results..............................57
Year-By-Year Coaching Records..................58
Year-by-Year Results............................ 59-65
All-Time Awards & Honors.................. 66-68
Spartan Alumnae................................. 69-70

15
Rhiannon Banda-Scott......................... 16-17
Bethany Little...................................... 18-19
45
Review.......................................................46
Team Meet-By-Meet Results............... 47-48
71
Individual Meet-By-Meet Results........ 49-50
Season Highs.............................................51
Big Ten Review...........................................52 Michigan State University.................... 72-84

quick FACTS
University Information
Location........................................................................................ East Lansing, Mich.
Enrollment........................................................................................................45,520
Founded..............................................................................................................1855
Nickname......................................................................................................Spartans
Colors.............................................................................................. Green and White
President................................................................................. Dr. Lou Anna K. Simon
Athletic Director....................................................................................... Mark Hollis
Senior Women’s Adminsitrator....................................................Shelley Appelbaum
Sport Administrator.................................................................................... Greg Ianni
Department Phone............................................................................... 517-355-1623
Conference...................................................................................................... Big Ten
Arena (Capacity)..............................................................Jenison Field House (5,017)
First Year of Varsity Competition.........................................................................1972
Coaching Staff
Head Coach....................................................... Kathie Klages (Central Michigan ‘77)
MSU Record (Years).............................................................................278-144-3 (17)
Overall Record (Years)........................................................................................ same
Office Phone......................................................................................... 517-355-4708
Associate Head Coach...........................................................Randy Lane (Illinois ‘89)
Office Phone......................................................................................... 517-432-3189
Assistant Coach...........................................................Katie Teft (Massachusetts ‘03)
Office Phone......................................................................................... 517-432-8725
Team Information
2007 Overall Record............................................................................................ 12-7
2007 Big Ten Finish................................................................................7th (192.650)
2007 NCAA Central Regional.................................................................4th (194.800)
2007 NCAA Championship Qualifier.............................................. Rochelle Robinson
2007 Final Ranking.............................................................................................. 17th
Letterwinners R/L.................................................................................................. 9/2
Newcomers...............................................................................................................6
Sports Information
Associate AD/Communications.....................................................John Lewandowski
Sports Information Director......................................................................Jamie Weir
Associate Sports Information Director.................................................... Matt Larson
Assistant Sports Information Director..................................................... Ben Phlegar
Assistant SID/Gymnastics Contact.......................................................... Jim Donatelli
Office Phone......................................................................................... 517-355-2271
Email.....................................................................................jdonatelli@ath.msu.edu
Fax........................................................................................................ 517-353-9636
Press Row Phone.................................................................................. 517-355-8331
Web Site................................................................................ www.msuspartans.com
Mailing Address....................................................................MSU Sports Information
..................................................................................................... Z-22 Brelsin Center
......................................................................................East Lansing, MI 48824-1003

 2008 michigan state gymnastics

 spartan GYMNASTICS

media outlets
Print Media Television

1500 West Higgins Rd. Lansing State Journal WILX-TV (Ch. 10/NBC)
Park Ridge, IL 60068-6300 120 E. Lenawee St. 500 American Rd.
www.bigten.org Lansing, MI 48919 Lansing, MI 48911
Phone: 517-377-1068 Phone: 517-393-0110
Gymnastics Contact Fax: 517-377-1298 Fax: 517-393-9180
Ryan M. Sheets
Email: rsheets@bigten.org The State News WLNS-TV (Ch. 6/CBS)
Phone: 847-696-1010 ext. 129 343 Student Services 2820 E. Saginaw St.
Fax: 847-696-1110 Michigan State University Lansing, MI 48912
East Lansing, MI 48824 Phone: 517-372-1300
Credential Requests Phone: 517-355-8252 Fax: 517-374-7610
Requests for press, radio, television and photographers’ credentials should Fax: 517-353-2599
be directed to: WLAJ-TV (Ch. 53/ABC)
Jim Donatelli Detroit Free Press 5815 S. Pennsylvania
Assistant Sports Information Director 300 W. Fort Lansing, MI 48910
E-mail: jdonatelli@ath.msu.edu Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: 517-394-5300
Phone: 517-432-8014 Phone: 313-222-6660 Fax: 517-394-7599
Fax: 517-353-9636 Fax: 313-222-5983
Interview Requests Radio
Detroit News
All gymnast and coach interviews must be arranged through the Michigan 615 W. Lafayette
State Sports Information Office at least 24 hours in advance. The best time to WKAR Radio
Detroit, MI 48226
interview players and coaches is between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Generally, MSU will Communication Arts Bldg.
Phone: 313-222-2260
practice from 2:30-5:30 p.m., weekdays. During the season, head coach Kathie Michigan State University
Fax: 313-222-6019
Klages will be available each Monday at MSU’s weekly press conference held East Lansing, MI 48824
in the Breslin Center. The Monday press conference begins at 11:30 a.m. Phone: 517-355-6540
The Grand Rapids Press
Fax: 517-353-7124
155 Michigan, NW
Meet Day Services Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Game notes, rosters and final match statistics are provided at each home WLFT/WDBM Radio
Phone: 616-222-5674
match. Post-match interviews will begin approximately 10 minutes following G-4 Holden Hall
Fax: 616-222-5224
the match’s completion on the floor of Jenison Field House. MSU head coach Michigan State University
Kathie Klages and selected gymnasts will be on hand. The visiting coach and East Lansing, MI 48824
Booth Newspapers
gymnasts are available upon request. Phone: 517-353-4414
217 N. Sycamore
Lansing, MI 48933
www.MSUSpartans.com WJIM/WVFN Radio
Phone: 517-487-8888
The official athletics website for Michigan State University is updated continu- 3420 Pine Tree Rd.
Fax: 517-487-1227
ously throughout the year. Weekly releases, feature stories, player biographies Lansing, MI 48911
and audio clips are available for MSU gymnastics and State’s 24 other varsity Phone: 517-887-3280
Spartan Magazine
sports. Fax: 517-393-9757
2307 Concord
Lansing, MI 48910
Phone: 517-374-7544

CREDITS
The 2008 Michigan State gymnastics media guide is a production of
the MSU Sports Information Office, written, designed and edited by
Assistant Sports Information Director Jim Donatelli. Editorial assis-
tance provided by members of the MSU Sports Information office.
Photography by Erin Groom/Michigan State University IMC I & DG,
Harley Seeley/Michigan State University IMC I & DG, John Gwillim,
Dave Olds, Greg Kohuth and the MSU Sports Information archives.
Printing by Foresight Group, Lansing, Mich.

2008 michigan state gymnastics 

2008 ROSTER
Name Ht. Yr. Hometown/Previous School Club Team
Nicole Argiros 5-2 Fr. Livonia, Mich./Stevenson Michigan Academy
Rhiannon Banda-Scott 5-1 Sr. Burlington, Ontario/Central Michigan Mississauga Gymnastics
Megan Bergland 5-1 So. Richland, Mich./Gull Lake US Airborne
Elise Craig 5-8 Fr. Macomb, Mich./Dakota South Olympia
Nicole Curler 5-0 So. Bay City, Mich./John Glenn Geddert’s Twistars
Dani Fanning 5-3 Jr. Glendale, Ariz./Paradise Valley Arizona Sunrays
Nicole Heikkila 5-1 Fr. Aurora, Ontario/Northview Heights Sport Seneca
Melanie Hunt 5-5 So. Naperville, Ill./Naperville North St. Charles
Bethany Little 5-3 Sr. Franklin, Tenn./Beech Let It Shine
Emily Lopatofsky 5-0 So. Waymart, Pa./Western Wayne Keystone
Kathryn Mahoney 5-0 Fr. Western Springs, Ill./Lyons Township Illinois Gymnastics Institute
Megan McNally 4-10 Sr. Minneapolis, Minn./Highland Park Geddert’s Twistars
Kelly Moffitt 5-3 So. Flora, Ind./Carroll Junior-Senior Wright’s Gymnastics
Kelsey Morley 5-4 Fr. Elkhart, Ind./Concord Gymagics
Kristyn Moskal 5-3 Fr. Rochester Hills, Mich./Avondale Gymnastics Training Center of Rochester
Rochelle Robinson 4-11 So. Chesapeake, Va./Indian River Ocean Tumblers
Katlyn Roggensack 5-2 Jr. Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton Warrenville South Midwest Academy

coaching staff
Head Coach Kathie Klages (Central Michigan ‘77) - 18th Season
Associate Head Coach Randy Lane (Illinois ‘89)
Assistant Coach Katie Teft (Massachusetts ‘03)

Support staff
Manager Amy Labadie
Athletic Trainer Destiny Teachnor-Hauk
Student Trainer Lisa Bochenek
Strength & Conditioning Coach Tim “Red” Wakeham
Academic Coordinator Daune Rensing
Team Physician Dr. Larry Nassar
Team Psychologists Tracy Carrington
Angie Fifer
Team Nutritionist Scott Sehnert

pronunciation guide
Nicole Argiros Nicole ARG-ger-ros
Rhiannon Banda-Scott Ree-ANN-an Banda-Scott
Nicole Heikkila Nicole HECK-ka-la
Emily Lopatofsky Emily Lop-A-TOF-ski
Kristyn Moskal Kristyn Moss-KUL
Katlyn Roggensack KATE-lynn Row-GEN-sack

spartans BY...
CLASS
Seniors (3): Banda-Scott, Little, McNally
Juniors (2): Fanning, Roggensack
Sophomores (6): Bergland, Curler, Hunt, Lopatofsky,
Moffitt, Robinson
Freshmen (6): Argiros, Craig, Heikkila, Mahoney,
Morely, Moskal
state/country
Arizona (1): Fanning
Canada (2): Banda-Scott, Heikkila
Illinois (3): Hunt, Mahoney, Roggensack
Indiana (2): Moffitt, Morley
Michigan (5): Argiros, Bergland, Craig, Curler, Moskal
Minnesota (1): McNally
Pennsylvania (1): Lopatofsky
Tennessee (1): Little
Virginia (1): Robinson

 2008 michigan state gymnastics


The Michigan State University gymnastics team returns nine letterwinners from
last year’s team that finished No. 17 in the country. Despite losing 2007 Big Ten
Gymnast of the Year, Kristen Coleman, the Spartans welcome back two All-Big
Ten First team members – sophomores Nicole Curler and Rochelle Robinson, a
solid core of experienced upperclassmen and six talented freshmen. This out-
look earned them a No. 21 ranking in 2008 GymInfo Preseason Coaches poll.
”The team is focused on moving this program to the next level,” said Head
Coach Kathie Klages, who is entering her 18th season at the helm of the Green
and White. “They are doing whatever it takes to improve their difficulty level,
consistency, and confidence. The desire to improve upon last year’s No. 17
national ranking is very strong.”
SENIORS
The Spartans return three seniors, only two however that will compete during
the 2008 season. Rhiannon Banda-Scott is determined to have her best col-
legiate season in her final year. She has recovered fully from her shoulder injury
and looks more powerful that ever on the vault and the floor. Bethany Little is
recovering from a foot injury but is focused on competing on bars for her senor
year. She is training hard and will be a major player on that event. Megan
McNally has been fighting a shoulder injury during her entire MSU career and
was forced to retire this offseason.
“This class has had to fight to continue with the sport they love,” said Klages.
“The end of their careers is in sight and they want to help take this team to the
next level. The loss of Megan will hurt us on the beam and the floor, but her
leadership on the sidelines will be important to the growth of the 2008 team.”
JUNIORS
Katlyn Roggensack is the leader of this program and spearheads the crusade
to take it to the next level. She has two years of experience and has worked
very hard to improve her gymnastics. She is expected to again be a strong all-
arounder this season. The lone other junior, Dani Fanning brings depth to the
bar, beam and floor exercise events. With the experience she has gained over
the two years of collegiate gymnastics, she is a valuable asset to the program.
“The junior class has experience and leadership to help this team reach its
goals this season,” said Klages. “With 12 freshmen and sophomores, Katlyn
and Dani will be relied upon to help the seniors guide this team into the na-
tional spotlight.”
SOPHOMORES
The MSU roster includes six sophomores, most of which played a major role in
the success of the 2007 team in only their first season in East Lansing.
Nicole Curler had a taste of success last season and is eager for more. She
was a First Team All-Big Ten honoree and will be a strong all-arounder for the
Spartans again this season. Her strengths include her competitiveness and her
KLAGES ON…
VAULT
The vault will be a challenging event for us again this year. We are working on im-
proving the start values of many of the vaults in the gym. This may bring inconsis-
tency to this event, however, we have Banda-Scott, Robinson and Curler who are
all excellent 10.0 vaulters and will bring stability to the lineup. It will depend on the
remaining three vaulters in the lineup each week.
UNEVEN BARS
Coach Lane has continued to improve the skill level and consistency of the gymnasts
competing on the bars event. Add Katie Teft to assist with the coaching of bars, and
great things have happened. The team will have major releases in every routine and
high level dismounts. Look for Heikkila to make an immediate impact on this event.
Combined with the experience of Roggensack, Bergland, Curler and Robinson, this
event should be outstanding for the Spartans this season.
2008 PREVIEW
desire to help the program rise to the national level. Rochelle Robinson had a
stellar freshman year capped with a appearance in the NCAA Championships
and a selection to the All-Big Ten First Team. Robinson, who scored the first
perfect 10.0 in the history of MSU gymnastics, brings NCAA experience to the
team and reminds them that she does not want to go back alone this season.
Megan Bergland is recovering from a back injury and is slowly returning to
her outstanding gymnastics form. She is a steady performer with beautiful
lines, and bars are her strongest event. Kelly Moffitt suffered a knee injury
in the second meet of the season and was unable to return to action. She
only had a glimpse of the excitement of collegiate competition and is eager to
return to the competitive arena. She is expected to compete on vault, beam
and floor. Emily Lopatofsky struggled last season with an ankle injury, causing
some missed competition time. She is now ready to compete in all four events.
Melanie Hunt did not see action in the lineup in 2007, but did compete in the
exhibition position last season. She had an outstanding summer of training and
will add depth to the lineup on bars and floor.
“The sophomore class has gained a year of valuable experience,” said Klages.
“They bring knowledge of the long collegiate competitive season, confidence
with their performances and the desire to improve upon last season’s suc-
cess.”
FRESHMAN
Six newcomers were added to the Spartan roster this summer. Nikki Argiros, a
two-time Region V national team member, suffered a knee injury her senior year
and is working her way back into shape in all four events. Argiros is expected to
excel on vault and floor, while also bringing some much-needed depth to bars.
Kathryn Mahoney finished the 2007 Junior Olympics National Championships
in seventh place in the all-around. She is a consistent performer and will see
all-around action this season. Nicole Heikkila was a late addition to the team,
signing her NLI in June. She competed in the Senior Open Category at the 2007
Canadian National Gymnastics meet and finished fifth in the all-around. She
has unique skills that will impress the judges on bars and beam, while she also
has a great presence on floor and will add depth to their vault lineup. Kelsey
Morley was the hardest-working and most improved gymnast this fall. She has
made major improvements in her technique, difficulty and consistency, making
her a potential all-arounder this season. Elise Craig is training on the beam and
vault for the Spartans. She is a tall girl with long, beautiful lines, who will add
depth on the beam and vault. Kristyn Moskal has been sidelined this fall due
to a back injury. She expects to begin training this winter to try to regain her
excellent bars and vault skills.
“The freshmen class is filled with talent that will make an immediate impact
on the team this season,” said Klages. “We expect to see these young faces in
many competitions throughout the season.”
BALANCE BEAM
The team ended last season with such great success on beam at the NCAA Regional
Championships, bringing a wealth of confidence to this team moving into 2008. We
have added some difficulty to flight series and mounts this fall. Again, Heikkila will
be exciting to watch on this event due to some unique skills in her routine. Fellow
newcomers Morley, who was the Region V Regional Champion last year on beam,
and Mahoney will add depth and high upside. With the return of Banda-Scott and
Moffitt to the event, and the experience of Roggensack, Curler, Robinson, and Ber-
gland, expect to see great success in this event.
FLOOR EXERCISE
Choreography on floor exercise continues to be unique and fun for the Spartan gym-
nasts in the 2008 campaign. We take pride in the presentation of our floor perfor-
mances and strive to entertain the judges and the crowd at competitions. Many of
the Spartan gymnasts have upgraded their floor tumbling to D difficulty in all three
passes. Banda-Scott returns to the floor lineup this season with an upbeat “Black
Betty” routine. Roggensack will perform to “Layla” and Fanning to the the Dave
Mathews Band. Look for some variety in the music selection from the sophomores
and freshmen. Robinson, Bergland and Curler have new routines and Morley and
Heikkila already display excellent presentation.
2008 michigan state gymnastics 
jenison FIELD HOUSE
Jenison Field House is home to the Spartan gymnastics program. The
building houses Michigan State’s practice, strength training, athletic
training, locker room and competition facilities. Head coach Kathie
Klages and her staff also have their offices located inside Jenison
Field House.
The Spartan practice facility is located on the third floor of Jenison
Field House. The spacious area allows for multiple practice appa-
ratus and room for an athletic training location inside the practice
facility.

Built in 1940, Jenison was the home of Spartan basketball until 1989
and is where Magic Johnson helped lead Michigan State to its NCAA
Championship in 1979.

Located in the lower level of Jenison Field House, the Spartan Sports
Medicine staff is comprised of a team of surgeons, doctors, certified
athletic trainers and a cast of graduate and undergraduate students
who aspire to pursue a career in the athletic training field.

Jenison, which is currently the home of the main Spartan athletic

department administrative offices, as well as MSU gymnastics, vol-
leyball, wrestling and track & field, underwent a major renovation
project in 2001, which has provided Michigan State student-athletes
access to benchmark sports facilities, as well as high level athletic
training, and strength and conditioning equipment.

The Michigan State gymnastics locker room includes individual lock-

ers for each gymnast, bathroom and shower facilities, as well as a
computer station.

 2008 michigan state gymnastics

 head coach KATHIE KLAGES

spartan
STAFF

2008 michigan state gymnastics 

spartan COACHING STAFF
Head Coach Kathie Klages is in her 18th season at the helm of the Michigan
State gymnastics program. Klages has instilled a winning mentality to the
Spartans, having posted a winning record in each of her 17 seasons leading
the Green and White. A three-time Big Ten Coach of the Year, she has been
named Central Region Coach of the Year four times.
Last season, the Spartans went 12-7 during the regular season and
placed fourth at the NCAA Central Regional and seventh at the Big Ten
Championship. Rochelle Robinson, a First Team All-Big Ten selection along
with Kristen Coleman and Nicole Curler, highlighted the MSU campaign,
qualifying for the NCAA Championships in the all-around and performing the
first perfect 10 in Spartan history. Coleman also made history becoming only
the second Spartan, and the first under Klages, to be named Big Ten Gymnast
of the Year. Away from competition, the Spartans ranked 20th in the nation
and first among Big Ten foes with a team GPA of 3.369. A program-record
10 student-athletes earned National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics
Coaches/Women (NACGC/W) All-Academic honors, while seven were named
to the All-Big Ten Academic Team.
In 2006, Klages led a young but talented group of gymnasts to a 17-12 dual
meet record and second-place finish at the Big Ten Championship meet, its
highest conference finish since the 1996 campaign. Under her direction,
junior co-captain Chayla Hill became the 10th Big Ten event champion in
school history, tying for first on vault at the conference championship meet,
while teammate Kristen Coleman, a first team All-Big Ten selection, captured
second in the all-around competition. The Spartans followed with their 15th
appearance in the NCAA Regional Meet, finishing fourth in the Central region.
For her individual performance in regional competition, Coleman advanced
to the NCAA Championship Meet, becoming the first Spartan to reach the
national stage since the 2003 campaign. In addition to accolades in the gym,
Michigan State saw seven gymnasts garner NACGC/W Academic All-America
honors, while four Spartans received Academic All-Big Ten laurels.
In 2005 Michigan State posted a record of 17-11 and finished fourth in the
Big Ten. Under Klages’ tutelage, Hill advanced to regional competition and
 2008 michigan state gymnastics
kathie KLAGES
Head Coach • 18th Season
Central Michigan ‘77
finished the season 25th on vault and 28th on floor at the event. Off the
mat, eight members of the 2005 squad were selected NACGC/W Academic
All-Americans. As a team, the Spartans’ cumulative GPA of 3.32 placed 25th
among varsity gymnastics programs nationwide. Michigan State finished
in a tie for 14th nationally in the number of individual student-athletes
recognized.
The Spartans finished fifth in the Big Ten in 2004 and compiled an overall
record of 17-11-1. The Green and White capped the season with a fifth-place
finish at NCAA Regional competition.
The Spartans took seventh in the Big Ten in 2003, but claimed a notable win
early in the year. State snapped Michigan’s 40-meet winning streak against
conference opponents, as the Spartans became the first Big Ten team to
defeat Michigan in more than four years. Perhaps even more impressive
were the academic accomplishments of the 2003 Spartans, as the team
posted the 10th-best team GPA in the nation with an average of 3.47, while
seven gymnasts were honored as NACGC/W All-Academic members and
eight earned Academic All-Big Ten honors.
In 2002, Klages celebrated a personal milestone, as she recorded her 200th
victory as leader of the Michigan State gymnastics squad. The Spartans
downed George Washington (195.350-194.650) for the notable win on March
9, 2002. Michigan State also made a return trip to NCAA regional competition
that season after failing to qualify during the 2001 campaign.
The 2001 season proved to be a rebuilding year for the Green and White
following a successful 2000 campaign where Klages was named the NCAA
Central Region Coach of the Year for the fourth time in her career. She had
previously earned the honor in 1993, 1996 and 1998.
MSU failed to advance to the NCAA Regional meet in 1999 following a
record-breaking performance in 1998 where MSU became only the second
squad in school history to garner 20 or more wins in a season (23-8). The
Klages’ Year-By-Year Breakdown
Year Record Big Ten Finish Postseason
1991 13-8 7th; 186.10 -
1992 14-5-1 3rd; 187.55 -
1993 13-8 3rd; 191.60 5th-NCAA Regionals
1994 16-9 4th; 188.475 -
1995 18-6 2nd; 193.025 -
1996 27-3 2nd; 193.925 4th-NCAA Regionals
1997 18-14 3rd; 195.475 1st-NIT/5th-NCAA Regionals
1998 23-6 4th; 194.050 7th-NCAA Regionals
1999 15-13 6th; 191.600 -
2000 16-10 5th; 193.625 6th-NCAA Regionals
2001 13-7-1 6th; 193.975 -
2002 15-6 5th; 194.625 6th-NCAA Regionals
2003 14-8 7th; 193.425 5th-NCAA Regionals
2004 17-11-1 5th; 196.025 5th-NCAA Regionals
2005 17-11-0 4th; 193.775 -
2006 17-12-0 2nd; 194.975 5th-NCAA Regionals
2007 12-7-0 7th; 192.650 4th-NCAA Regionals
Totals 278-144-3

1998 team still holds the highest mark in school history on the uneven bars
(49.450).
In 1998, for only the third time in Spartan history, Klages guided three
gymnasts - Carolyn Hecht, Chrissy Weathersby and Polly Kiker - to selection
on the All-Big Ten team.
In 1997, Klages guided her team through injury trouble to finish at No. 15
in the national polls. MSU marched to a first-place finish at the National
Invitational Tournament while two gymnasts, Kristin Peugeot and Jamie
Elwell, individually qualified for the NCAA Championships.
Klages took home Big Ten Coach of the Year honors following a school-record
27-3 season in 1996, in which the Spartans were ranked among the top 12
nationally for much of the year.
Klages also guided MSU to an 18-6 mark in 1995 and a second-place finish
at the Big Ten Championship Meet.
The Spartans finished fourth in the Big Ten in 1994, while the squad tallied
back-to-back third-place finishes during the 1992 and 1993 seasons. State
also made its first regional meet appearance under Klages in 1993.
Prior to becoming the fourth women’s gymnastics coach in MSU history,
Klages spent five successful years as the assistant coach of Great Lakes
Gymnastics in Lansing. During her tenure, she coached the 1990 Level 10
Junior Olympic National Champion, 20 state championship teams, numerous
national qualifiers and former Spartan greats Kim Hartwick and Michelle
Ingalls.
In 1988, she was named the United States Gymnastics Federation (USGF)
head coach KATHIE KLAGES
Coach of the Year in Michigan. A member of the National Association of
Women’s Gymnastics Judges since 1978, Klages is also a national judge.
Before coaching at Great Lakes, Klages was the head coach of Blue Lakes
Gymnastics in Muskegon for two years (1983-85). She also served a two-year
stint as head coach at Spring Lake High School (1979-81).
A native of Spring Lake, Mich., Klages is a member of USA Gymnastics, the
National Association of Women’s Gymnastics Judges, United States Elite
Coaches Association and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
Klages also directs the gymnastics summer camp at MSU. Klages earned her
bachelor’s degree in physical education from Central Michigan in 1977.
Kathie’s family includes her husband, Ross, four children - Matthew (27),
Ian (26), Raven (20) and Dylan (18) - and grandchildren, Isabella (4), Eljah
(3) and Lily (six months).
Klages’ Honors and Awards
Big Ten Coach Of The Year
1996, 2004, 2006
Central Region Coach Of The Year
1993, 1996, 1998, 2000
USGF Michigan Coach Of The Year
1988
klages By the numbers
17 Winning seasons
12 Individual NCAA Qualifiers
10 NCAA Regional Meet appearances
3 Big Ten Event Champions
1 Big Ten Gymnast of the Year
24 All-Big Ten selections
66 NACGC/W Academic All-America selections
2 CoSIDA Academic All-America selections
81 Academic All-Big Ten selections
Associate Head Coach Randy Lane on Klages ...
I have known Kathie for more than 15 years and I am honored
to finally be able to work alongside her. I have admired her as a
coach, person and a friend. This fall has proven to be a successful
formula with the “power of three” - meaning
Kathie, Katie and myself. We truly have a great time coaching to-
gether and are eager to get this team out on the competition floor.
Kathie is a great leader, and I know that her dedication to this team
will take this program very far in the near future.
Assistant Coach Katie Teft on Klages ...
I have been blessed with the opportunity to work alongside an
amazing coach and person. She has helped guide this team to
success and will continue to with her leadership and “go get ‘em”
attitude. I couldn’t be happier learning from two very respectful
coaches in Kathie and Randy.
2008 michigan state gymnastics 
spartan COACHING STAFF
randy lane
Associate Head Coach • Second Season
Illinois ‘89
Assistant Coach of the Year honors. While at UCLA, the Bruins claimed the
NCAA team title in 2000 and ’01, and 19 athletes earned All-America awards.
The Bruin gymnasts also claimed a total of eight NCAA individual crowns
from 1998-01.

From 1995-97, Lane was the head coach at the University of California-Santa
Barbara where he led the Gauchos to a fifth-place finish at the USA Collegiate
National Championships in 1996. In 1997, the Gauchos set a school record
with a 191.025 team score at the Big West Championships.

Along with his duties as associate head coach for the Green and White, Lane
also will use his masters degree in Oriental medicine and acupuncture to
assist the Michigan State Sports Medicine staff.

As a collegiate athlete, Lane was a member of the University of Illinois men’s

gymnastics team that claimed the 1989 NCAA Championship crown. He
also was part of the Fighting Illini’s NCAA runner-up team in 1988 and was a
member of two Big Ten Championship squads (1988,’89). Lane received his
bachelors degree in speech communications from the University of Illinois in
1989 and completed his masters degree in Oriental medicine and acupuncture
from the Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine in 1999.

Randy Lane enters his second season as associate head coach for the Spartan
gymnastics team. Lane most recently served as an assistant coach for the
University of Florida from 2003-06.

“Randy has many years of experience in the collegiate gymnastics world and
brings a wealth of knowledge to our program,” said Head Coach Kathy Klages.
“I expect the program to rise nationally with his addition to the staff. He is
technically very strong, a strong spotter and so much fun to have in the gym.
Randy encourages the environment to be energy filled and exciting.”

While at Florida, Lane assisted with the recruitment of prospective student-

athletes, analysis of team workouts and served as the team’s liaison between
UF’s academic advising staff. In addition, he was the lead coach for the uneven
parallel bars, scheduled team competition dates, served as the director of
the Gator summer camp and worked closely with the alumni and booster
relations organizations.

The Gators advanced to the NCAA Championships each of the last four
seasons and advanced to the NCAA Super Six twice (2004 and ‘06), taking
fourth at the 2006 event. The Gators also claimed back-to-back NCAA Regional
titles in ‘05 and ‘06. Lane also directed four Gator gymnasts to All-America
laurels in 2006.

On the uneven parallel bars, Lane led Florida to the nation’s fourth-highest
team total (49.60) in 2004 and directed the Gator gymnasts to the nation’s
top mark (49.675) in 2003. Under his direction, Florida held the nation’s No. 1
position in four consecutive uneven bars rankings during the 2003 season.

Prior to his time at Florida, Lane served as the assistant women’s coach at
the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) on two separate occasions
from 1992-94 and 1997-2001. During his most recent stint with the Bruins,
he served as the team academic coordinator, scheduled team competition
dates and served as the lead coach for the uneven parallel bars event. Lane
was named the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches
(NACGC) Assistant Coach of the Year in 2000 and also won 1998 West Region

10 2008 michigan state gymnastics

 spartan COACHING STAFF
katie teft
Assistant Coach • Fourth Season
Massachusetts ‘03
of the 1995 U.S. Pan American gold medal-winning team. Teft earned a
fourth-place finish on the balance beam to contribute to the team victory
at the Pan American Games in Mar del Plata, Argentina. She also performed
at the 1995 Visa Challenge, guiding her team to a first-place finish, while
individually she placed third in the all-around, sixth on vault, fourth on bars,
sixth on beam and third on floor.

After her success at the Pan American Games, Teft was eighth in the all-around
at the 1996 U.S. Classics, also tying for first in the uneven parallel bars. At
the 1996 U.S. Olympic Trials, Teft ranked eighth all-around, which allowed
her the opportunity to serve as an alternate for 1996 U.S. Olympic team.
She also contributed to a first-place team finish at the 1996 Senior Pacific
Alliance Championships in Kuantan, Malaysia, by placing second in the floor
exercise and third on the bars.

Teft began her collegiate career as a freshman gymnast at the University of

Massachusetts in 2000. In her debut season, she was honored as Atlantic 10
Rookie of the Week for three straight weeks (Jan. 31, Feb. 8, Feb. 14, 2004),
tied the school record on bars (9.950) and beam (9.925), and scored 39.175
all around on two occasions, good for fourth place all-time at UMass.

As a sophomore, Teft tied her own all-time university record with a 9.950 on
bars. She scored a 9.900 or higher six times in the event in 2001, including a
conference-best 9.950. She also scored 9.800 or higher three times on beam
Katie Teft returns to Michigan State for her fourth year as an assistant coach that same year. In 2002, Teft established herself as the all-time UMass record
under Kathie Klages. holder on bars (9.975) and went on to become the Atlantic 10 Conference
Champion on bars with a score of 9.950. She also took fourth place on bars
Teft, a 2003 graduate of the University of Massachusetts, brings significant (9.800) at the 2002 NCAA Northeast Regional.
talent to the program, boasting over a decade of excellence in gymnastics
in the U.S. and overseas. To complete her
collegiate career,
“Katie continues to excel in her position in her fourth season with the Teft transferred to
Spartans,” said Head Coach Kathie Klages. “She has developed into an Central Michigan
phenomenal choreographer and is a strong asset to have on this team. As University, where
an international competitor, a Pan American gold medalist, a 1996 Olympic she set the school’s
Trials selection and an NCAA Championships competitor, Katie brings a wealth all-time record on
of competitive experience to the program. Combine that experience with b a rs w i t h t w o
her knowledge of the sport and her ability to communicate well with the perfect 10.0
athletes, and makes an exceptional collegiate gymnastics coach.” performances in
2003. She earned
Teft’s track record of competition is impressive. At the 1993 Junior Olympics the top score of
National Championship, she captured a first-place finish on the balance 9.975 on bars
beam, as well as first place all-around in the children’s division. Teft went at the MAC
on to claim two fourth place all-around finishes that year, first at the U.S. Championships,
Classic and again at the U.S. Championship, both in the junior division. She and was also
also finished first on the floor and ninth all-around at the Catania Cup Classic a regional
in Sicily, Italy in 1993. champion on
bars (9.900),
In 1994, Teft took first place in the all-around (junior division) at both the which qualified
U.S. Classic and the American Classic/World Championship Trials. She h e r fo r
also anchored a first-place team finish as well as fifth all-around amongst Nationals.
competitors from across the globe at the 1994 Hilton Challenge, and finished
eighth all around at the 1994 Coca-Cola National Championships. Teft’s skills
took her to Barcelona, Spain, where she competed in the Joaquim Blume
Memorial and posted a third-place all-around finish.

The following year at the American Classic/Pan American Game Trials, she
captured fifth place on bars and beam, while finishing sixth on the floor and
fifth in the all-around. Teft’s performance propelled her to become a member

2008 michigan state gymnastics 11

spartan SUPPORT STAFF
amy
LABADIE
Manager
Amy Labadie is beginning her first season as
a manager of the Michigan State gymnastics
team.
A freshman from Traverse City, Mich., Labadie
trained at Waters Edge Gymnastics for the last
10 years. Away from the competition, she was
a member of the honor roll every semester at
Traverse City West High School.
The daughter of Mark and Diane Labadie, she has
two brothers, Chris and Nick.
12 2008 michigan state gymnastics
destiny lisa
Teachnor-hauk Bochenek
Athletic Trainer Student Athletic Trainer
Destiny Teachnor-Hauk is in her 11th year as an Lisa Bochenek is a second year undergraduate
athletic trainer at Michigan State University and athletic training student, working with the Spartan
her 10th with the gymnastics team. gymnastics team for the first time.
A native of Detroit, Teachnor-Hauk is a 1991 A Shelby Township, Mich. native, Bochenek
graduate of Nazareth College where she was a previously worked with the MSU men’s swimming,
four-year member of the volleyball and softball women’s basketball and football teams.
teams and also lettered in women’s basketball.
Teachnor-Hauk earned her undergraduate degree
in biology with a minor in psychology.
In 1994 Teachnor-Hauk completed her master’s
work in athletic-training at Western Michigan
University. In addition to her duties at Michigan
State, she has worked extensively with world
class athletes in ESPN’s Summer and Winter X
games. She has served as the state of Michigan’s
representative on NATA’s Women in Athletic
Training Committee for the past nine years.
Teachnor-Hauk is married to Kalman S. Hauk II.
The couple has four children - Trey (15), Storm
(9), Spirit (4) and Xtreme (1).

tim
wakeham
Strength & Conditioning
Tim “Red” Wakeham, M.S., C.S.C., C.S.C.S. is the
Coordinator of Strength & Conditioning for the
Michigan State University Olympic sports.
Wakeham is in the midst of his 12th year leading
the sport-specific strength and conditioning
program for the Spartan gymnastics team.
Wakeham is a well-known speaker throughout
the country and an established author, having
had more than 25 articles published in various
national publications along with three book
chapters. He also has experience at the NFL, NHL
and Olympic levels.
Wakeham earned his B.S. degree from Northern
Michigan University and his M.S. degree from
the University of North Dakota. Prior to his
current position, he served as the Coordinator of
Strength, Conditioning and Fitness at Michigan
Technological University.
spartan SUPPORT STAFF
dr. larry
nassar
Team Physician
Dr. Larry Nassar, D.O., A.T.C., F.A.O.A.S.M.,
received his medical degree from Michigan State
University in 1993. He completed his family
practice residency at St. Lawrence Hospital in
1996, followed by a primary care sports medicine
fellowship at Michigan State University in 1997.
Dr. Nassar is the Team Physician for the MSU
women’s gymnastics and crew teams.
He is an assistant professor in the Department
of Radiology, a division of sports medicine, and
teaches sports medicine and physical exam skills
to first- and second-year medical students in
the College of Osteopathic Medicine at MSU.
He developed the curriculum and created four
sports medicine courses currently taught to
the medical students at MSU. Dr. Nassar is the
medical consultant for the Wharton Center for
Performing Arts. His medical practice is specific
for osteopathic manual medicine and primary care
sports medicine care of athletes and is located at
the MSU Sports Medicine Clinic.
Dr. Nassar is a 1985 graduate from the University
of Michigan where he received his degree in
athletic training education. He has maintained
his certification as an athletic trainer and believes
this has enhanced his ability to care for the
injured athlete. He came to MSU in 1988 and has
dedicated his medical practice in the memory of
his two greatest mentors: David Hough, M.D. and
Allan Jacobs, D.O.
In addition to his work at MSU., Dr. Nassar is the
USA Gymnastics National Team Physician. Since
1996, he has been responsible for coordinating
the medical care for USA Gymnastics at every
national and international competition. He has
been a part of the USA Gymnastics National
Team Medical Staff since 1986. Locally, he has
been the team physician for Gedderts Twistars
Gymnastics Club since 1996 and Holt High School
since 1997.
Dr. Nassar received a patent on his ankle brace for
gymnasts’ with syndesmotic ankle sprains in 1990
(patent #4,926,846).
Dr. Nassar is married to Stefanie, a pediatric
physician assistant. They have three children,
Caroline (6), Katelyn (3) and Ryan (2).
dr. Nassar’ Honors
U.S. Women’s Gymnastics National
Contributor Of The Year
1992-93, 1993-94, 1994-95, 1995-96, 1996-
97, 1997-98, 1998-99, 2001-02
U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Region Five
Contributor Of The Year
1990-91, 1991-92, 1992-93, 1996-97
Women’s Gymnastics State Of Michigan
Contributor Of The Year
1992-93, 1993-94, 1995-96
Shirley Marshack Memorial Award
2003
USA Gymnastics Service Award
1997
2008 michigan state gymnastics 13
spartan SUPPORT STAFF

rick atkinson tracy carrington jim donatelli

Event Management Sports Psychologist Sports Information

angie fifer kasey hough cathy mcintosh

Sports Psychologist Event Management Meet Director

daune rensing scott sehnert

Academic Counselor Team Nutritionist
14 2008 michigan state gymnastics