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January 11, 2005

UCLA freshmen Tasha Schwikert, Jordan Schwikert and Lindsey Vanden Eykel take their turn at a guest entry for Coach Valorie Kondos Field's Between the Bars diary. The terrific trio talk about their experiences at their first collegiate meet at Utah. Tasha was UCLA's highest all-arounder, scoring a 39.575. Jordan earned a 39.4, and Lindsey tied for second on bars with a 9.925.

Tasha Schwikert
My first meet as a UCLA Bruin was an awesome experience - different from anything I had ever experienced. The whole aspect of "performing for your team" was such an invigorating feeling. I really felt a different type of pressure competing for my team. Somehow it felt that it meant more than competing as an individual. I thrive on pressure situations, and I couldn't think of a better reason to get fired up than to help my teammates. The unity of our team, coaches and support staff is amazing. I am truly honored to be a part of something so wonderful.

Jordan Schwikert
Our team competed great as an whole last weekend. We definitely have room to improve. What impressed me most about our team is the "way" they compete. They are all so calm but have a lot of fun during the whole meet. I noticed it first-hand after we had our first fall of the meet on floor, and I was next on floor. I knew I had to come back with a great routine. To be able to do that for my team was so rewarding.

Lindsey Vanden Eykel
The unity our team brought forth in this meet was amazing and a first experience for me. Even though we lost the meet, I feel we instilled a lot of confidence in our team as a whole. I feel we are even more determined now to work harder and to fix our small mistakes. Our team is strong physically and mentally. If we keep improving from this first meet, the UCLA force will be intense when championship season comes. I came into this meet not knowing what to expect, but walking out of the meet, I am so excited for our next competition. Hard work never disappears or lets you down. Our team is bound to prove this statement this year.