“What does it take to be number one? Because two is not a winner and three nobody remembers.”

As rap star Nelly’s lyrics filled the gym, junior Leah Johnson and freshman Holly Reichard were hard at work.

Concentration and determination showed on their faces as the pair got ready for the biggest meet of the season – the NCAA regionals.

The NIU gymnastics team just missed qualifying for regionals this season. But the team did receive some happy news, as Reichard and Johnson were invited to the event.

This year marks the first time since 1995 the Huskies will send two all-around gymnasts to regionals.

“This speaks well for the future,” NIU head coach Mark Sontag said. “We have some of our team leaders, who are getting experience at the next level of gymnastics, coming back to us next year. The stories they can bring back – there is no way to put a price on that.”

Johnson made her NCAA debut last season, but is still excited about the back-to-back invite.

“It is really an honor and I am glad to share it with Holly,” Johnson said. “It’s nice to have another all-arounder going with me this year. The fact that I get to go with her makes it even better.”

Reichard makes her NCAA debut at regionals this weekend and hopes to learn a lot from Johnson. The two have been working hard at practice and the freshman is grateful to have an experienced gymnast by her side.

“I’m really excited about making regionals,” Reichard said. “I’m excited to go with Leah because she’s been there and knows what it’s all about. She’s already given me so much advice this year and I am glad to have her here.”

With the season coming to a close, both gymnasts hope to stay calm and focused going into the contest. The NCAA atmosphere is much different than typical meets, Johnson said.

“There are a lot of big teams here,” Johnson said. “I need to stay calm and not get too hyped up. I need to focus on what I am doing.”

Both Reichard and Johnson will be performing in the all four gymnastics events on Saturday in Norman, Okla. The gymnasts both said they have been practicing hard to stay on top of their game, and on keeping their momentum rolling.

“I hope to see the same things that got them here,” Sontag said. “In order to get here, they had to compete at a very high level, consistently. I’d like to see them come out and compete well, and represent NIU well.”