Rickert finishes career as best at ISU

Gina Rickert finished a stellar high jump career this summer on a low note, but had plenty of better days to look back on.

Rickert won her fourth Big 12 high jump title May 19 with a jump of 6—0 1/2, completing a sweep of the indoor and outdoor competitions this season.

“One of her big goals was to win this last chance for a title,” ISU head coach Dick Lee said.

Rickert finished as a five-time All-American jumper when she placed 12th at the NCAA championships in June, while dealing with a nagging injury to her jumping foot.

“She’s been injured all outdoor season,” said ISU jumps coach Ron McEachran.

“It really showed up [in the final competition].”

McEachran said Rickert jumped well in preliminary competition but struggled on just one day’s rest for the finals competition.

“It was really sad for her, because she was ready [to compete],” he said.

Rickert was ranked fifth nationally heading into the meet.

McEachran added the nature of the high jump makes injuries more troublesome for the best jumpers, because they put more stress on their bodies by leaping higher.

“She had a great career,” he said. “The body kind of held her back a little bit.”

Rickert was effective in both the indoor and outdoor high jumps during her career.

She holds the school record in both events — 6—3 1/2 inches indoors, and 6—2 1/4 outdoors.

— Lucas Grundmeier

Iowa State to host NCAA subregional

For the sixth time in seven years, Hilton Coliseum will host games in the first and second rounds of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament next spring, ISU athletic department officials said.

Iowa State will be one of 16 schools to host first and second-round games.

The 2003—2004 campaign will be the second season to feature predetermined sites for those first and second-round games.

Previously, the top 16 seeds in the postseason NCAA Tournament were awarded home-court advantage for those games.

Under that system, the Cyclones hosted subregionals five straight seasons from 1998—2002, three times advancing to the Sweet 16.

Hilton Coliseum also hosted the 2002 Midwest Regional.

The games will be played from March 21—23, part of a busy weekend at Hilton Coliseum.

Iowa State hosts the Big 12 gymnastics championships March 20.

“It is obvious that the committee was sold on the job we have done for NCAA games in the past,” said ISU Athletic Director Bruce Van De Velde in a statement. “We have an experienced staff, record-setting fan attendance and a great facility.”

“The national stature of our women’s basketball program under coach Bill Fennelly is a major factor,” he said.

— Lucas Grundmeier