“Apprehensive.”

Coach Bobbie Cesarek leads the NIU gymnastics team into its first home meet of the season tomorrow attached to the feared emotion.

“Just a little bit,” added the 16-year skipper. “It seems like when it happens, it happens.”

After Sandy Escobar went down with a sprained right ankle, the focus upon whom the team would be contingent narrowed a bit. Unfortunately, that dependence has blossomed into a necessity.

“The other day,” Cesarek informed, “we were working a new element for Goha Mroz on beam and she strained her hip flexors; and at this point, (she) is extremely sore. I don’t know what’s going to happen as far as her abilities to compete for us.

“And then Sheryl Kurowski hit the bars … with her Achilles (heel) and hyperextended her (left) knee, and (she’s) really sore. She’s tumbling well on it but, unfortunately, for beam, it’s the leg that she takes off on everything and lands everything.”

So, with the banged-up crew, the Huskies host tomorrow’s triangular with Winona State University and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh breathing a small sigh of relief. Both programs highlight first year coaches and non-Division I athletes.

“Talent-wise,” Cesarek disclosed, “I certainly expect (UW-O’s) talent quite a bit below the level of ours simply because all of their athletes are non-scholarship.”

Though, the Division III gymnasts may not be in the same league with the Huskies, history provides some possible arguments.

The Titans boast four Division III All-Americans to go along with 12 Wisconsin Women Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles, three Division III crowns in four years of Div. III status, and two NAIA championships. Last year, UW-Oshkosh placed third at the Division III Championships.

“There’s a little intimidation …” admitted first year coach Bob Starkell on the mental preparation needed for tomorrow. “Stay in events, don’t lose form, and try to just perform at a higher level.”