At the NCAA Central Regionals this weekend, NIU gymnasts Vicki Thimgan and Martha Unger didn’t have two things: a high enough finish to advance to the NCAA Championships, and a lot of luck.

Unger, competing in her third Regional competition, had a costly fall in the balance beam. Thimgan, making her first NCAA Regional appearance, was hampered by an injured back and a lingering cold. Both had the added disadvantage of competing as individuals rather than as part of a team.

Thimgan finished 17th, and Unger 21st in the all-around competition. Thimgan compiled 37.025 points while Unger finished with 36.825.

“They did well but not super,” said NIU coach Bobbie Cesarek, “and you have to do super to go to the nationals.”

With the Huskies falling only two/tenths of a point short of advancing to the Regionals, Cesarek hopes that the experience of Unger and Thimgan can serve as added incentive for next season’s squad.

“I’m glad that Martha and Vicki had the experience,” said Cesarek. “Barely missing this year might be the best thing for us because it gives us the boost to work hard next year.

“The most difficult part of the competition (for Thimgan and Unger) was not having the rest of their teammates with them. The two of them want to take their experience back to the team as a motivational tool to have us all here (at regionals) next year,” Cesarek said.

What would await the team at Regionals is some of the finest gymnasts in the U.S. “All these kids are fantastic,” said Cesarek. “I felt like I was watching the Olympics, everything was to perfection.”

“We had a great time,” Cesarek added. “Minnesota (the host school) did a great job. It was all very well planned.”

The University of Alabama captured the Regional team crown with 194.150 points and had three individual regional champions. Alabama will advance to the NCAA Championship meet on April 21 at Oregon State University.