The Northern Star takes some time with gymnast Jennifer Naughton

By JON LEVANICH

The Northern Star caught up with gymnast Jennifer Naughton.

The junior from Missouri stopped to talk about her decision to go into gymnastics and Kansas City BBQ.

Northern Star: Why did you decide to leave Missouri for DeKalb?

Jennifer Naughton: A lot of the older gymnists from my club came here, so I wanted to come here knowing at least one or two girls.

NS: What’s the biggest difference between Missouri and DeKalb?

JN: The weather.

NS: Not a fan of the weather?

JN: No, it’s too cold for me.

NS: What made you decide to go into gymnastics?

JN: My older sister. It’s just like every little sister wants to be like their older sister.

NS: You aspired after her?

JN: Yeah. She went to the gym, and they dragged me along and it kind of stuck.

NS: What’s your favorite sport, aside from gymnastics?

JN: I like watching football and baseball.

NS: Are you a Royals or a Chiefs fan?

JN: I’m a Chiefs fan. I can’t stray away from them. But I’m not a Royals fan; not too many people in Kansas City are.

NS: Are you going to watch the Super Bowl?

JN: I’m going to try. We have a meet, and as soon as the meet gets done, I’m going to rush home and watch it.

NS: What’s your prediction?

JN: Patriots.

NS: Kansas City is really famous for its BBQ. Do you like BBQ?

JN: I do. Up here, it’s no comparison to Kansas City BBQ.

NS: What’s your favorite BBQ dish?

JN: Ribs, easily.

NS: You had a 4.0 GPA as a freshman. How big of an accomplisment was that for you?

JN: It was definitely my best year ever as a student. I’m proud of it. Hopefully I can do it again.

NS: You were recently named MAC Gymnastics Specialist of the Week. How proud were you of that award?

JN: I’m really proud. There’s a lot of amazing girls on this team and in the MAC. To get that award even once is a huge honor.