One more page upon which to be scripted.

One more opportunity for a senior to give it all she’s got.

As NIU gymnastics all-arounder Vicki Thimgan makes the trek south to Baton Rouge for the Central Regionals, she can thank the gymanstics gods for allowing her to stand out in a highly successful program, keeping her healthy and offering one more opportunity for a stylistic ‘sayonara.’

Louisiana State University is this year’s site for the competition held tomorrow and Thimgan is the lone Huskie representative.

Because of a foot injury sustained in a soccer class, previous Huskie qualifier and sophomore Goha Mroz was forced to withdraw from the proceedings. That left Thimgan to rethink what this final chance of success means to her.

“I’d like to get some publicity for Northern,” said the Lincoln, Nebraska native. “And have (Senior Associate Athletic Director) Cary (Groth) and (Athletic Director) Gerald (O’Dell) be proud of the gymnastics team. Sending just one girl—I’d like to make a statement while I’m there.”

“It’s a little bit of pressure but you just do your best—whatever happens.”

This marks the third trip to regionals for Thimgan.

As a freshman in 1990, she and Martha Unger represented NIU. In 1991, she was part of the team’s fifth place finish in the event. And now, her presence continues the reign of Huskie

power on the mats.

“I feel pretty good,” Thimgan informed. “I haven’t done a lot in the gym in the last week and a half because I didn’t feel like I had to. (I’m) just trying to keep up my endurance, keep up my skills and I haven’t really trained that hard. (I) keep my flexibility up and go down there and do my thing.”

Her skills are refined and head coach Bobbie Cesarek knows she’s ready.

“She’s been training very, very well,” noted Cesarek. “Routines have been very clean. She’s hit just about everything that she’s come in (to the gym) to do. She’s hit every event, nailed everything and left practice with a smile.”

Thimgan qualified with a 37.9125, good enough for fifth among schools not sending entire teams. Her season high was a 38.40 recorded at the University of Kentucky. Throughout the season, she scored 37.75 or more six times while setting Huskie records in the beam (9.85—tie with Nickie Pedicini) and floor (9.85).

“I want to do the best I can,” Thimgan said. “I’d hate to go down there and totally mess up on one event or two and have to think back, ‘Oh, that was my last meet of my life and I really messed it up.'”

Her agenda before the competition will reserve three minutes touch warmup after the University of Michigan warms up for fifteen minutes. Then, before each event, Thimgan will be given 30 seconds after the Wolverines’ three minute touch warmup.

“I would like to do something spectacular—break a new record or make nationals on an event. That would be fabulous.”

She’s got the heart. She’s got the invite.

She also has the opportunity to create a happy ending for her unfinished chapter in Huskie gymnastics.