DES MOINES — Continuing what is becoming a Cyclone tradition, freshman Janet Anson was named the 2004 Big 12 Conference Newcomer of the Year at the Big 12 Gymnastics Championship Saturday.

“It’s a huge honor,” Anson said. “I’m so excited that I could be [Newcomer of the Year] this year to keep the tradition going.”

A Cyclone gymnast has won newcomer of the year honors in four of the last seven seasons. Sophomore Erin Dethloff started the current Cyclone streak, receiving the honor last year.

Anson finished the season strong, with her best performance coming in the Cyclones tie with Nebraska on March 14.

Anson had an outstanding performance on vault at the Nebraska meet, scoring a perfect 10, making her the first Cyclone freshman to earn a perfect 10 and third ISU gymnast ever to record a perfect score.

Anson also scored a 39.700 at the Nebraska meet, breaking the record for the highest-ever all-around score by an ISU freshman.

ISU gymnastics head coach K.J. Kindler expected Anson to take home the award.

“It was a great honor for Janet,” Kindler said. “Janet did a phenomenal job all year long and is definitely deserving of the award.”

Assistant coach Kristen Hoeferlin said earning the newcomer of the year was a goal Anson set before she even came to Iowa State.

“She’s worked hard all year and has a great attitude,” Hoeferlin said. “She is always positive and does whatever it takes for the team. She has something special, not a tangible quality.”

Anson has contributed to the Cyclones’ success in numerous meets, earned 12 first-place finishes this season and holds the record for second-highest all-around score in school history.

“She obviously stands out amongst the freshmen in the Big 12,” Kindler said.

Anson said her primary aspirations lie in the success of the team, particularly in the upcoming NCAA regional and national competitions. On a personal level, she plans to focus on balance beam.

“I plan to work ever harder on beam, and to make that routine,” Anson said. “It gives me motivation to keep learning new skills and to keep hitting routines.”