KUPETS TEARS ACHILLES

Fall on floor exercise ends junior's season

By: TYLER ESTEP

Posted: 2/29/08

Gym Dog Courtney Kupets ended her junior season Saturday, tearing her Achilles tendon on the floor exercise.

The two-time all-around national champion, five time individual NCAA champion and 10-time All-American had fallen on the balance beam before landing awkwardly on the floor.

"I can't think about it right now, it's just not fair," Georgia coach Suzanne Yoculan said, crying. "She's such a team player, she really is. She's one of the best gymnasts and most humble gymnasts ever…it just sucks is all."

One of the most accomplished collegiate gymnasts of all-time, Kupets spent the offseason recovering from another Achilles injury.

"The worst part of coaching is injuries. The worst," Yoculan said. "She had a little bit of pain in her Achilles Wednesday, took off Wednesday, and Thursday she wasn't tumbling well and took off. She felt good today. If they're bound to go they go. It's just years of wear and tear."

The Gym Dogs won the meet with No. 11 Arkansas 197.900-195.950, highlighted by senior Katie Heenan's perfect 10.0 on vault. It was also the team's highest cumulative score of the season.