Mililani's Lucas gets off to perfect start in gymnastics

By Dennis Anderson
Advertiser Staff Writer

Less proved to be more for gymnast Marie Lucas.

Lucas simplified her balance beam routine from the one she used to earn All-America status in USA Gymnastics' Level 10 Nationals two years ago.

Result: In the second meet of her collegiate career for Boise State, Lucas scored a perfect 10 on the balance beam — the third 10 in Boise State history, the first by a freshman and the first on the beam.

"I have watered down my routine from club for a better chance of staying on the beam," Lucas said. "My technique is a lot cleaner, which means less deductions."

Lucas is a 2001 Mililani High graduate from 'Ewa Beach who has been doing gymnastics since she was 5 and won national honors competing for the Hawaiian Island Twisters.

After she was awarded a scholarship for gymnastics at Boise State, Lucas took a year off from the sport to rest a chronic back problem. During that time she assessed her routine and decided to make it simpler.

"I've been able to pick up where I left off on beam," Lucas said. "My back feels a lot better. I get treatment from our trainers every day."

In her college debut, Lucas scored 9.8 against Brigham Young. "I didn't do my mount correctly; I made a little mistake," Lucas said. Last Wednesday against Utah State, she didn't make any mistakes.

Boise State coach Sam Sandmire was not surprised. "I don't think any of us could have predicted a perfect 10 this early in her career. But we did know it was possible when we saw in workouts how gorgeous her routine was, with beautiful lines and perfect form and technique," Sandmire said.

Lucas is competing only on the beam so far because of her tender back.

"Hopefully, I'll get into another event soon, and be an all-arounder (all four events) next year," Lucas said. "My goal is to be an All-American (one of the top 10 in the NCAA) on the beam."

"We are very excited about her potential," Sandmire said.

OTHER GYMNASTS

Tacia LaBatte (Castle) has transferred from Utah to Washington, but broke her foot in practice Jan. 21 and is lost for the season. LaBatte scored 9.875 on parallel bars as a freshman last year at Utah. ... Freshman Mandy Pascual (Punahou) of 'Aiea is at Maryland and has not competed yet.