Seeley makes strong return from injury
The Utah State women’s gymnastics team may have lost the meet to San Jose State University, but it also won back an athlete with the return of Kirra Seeley.
Seeley, a junior from Kaysville, was projected to sit out the 2001 season to recover from surgery she had performed on her right thumb to repair a torn ligament suffered during fall training.
During the 2000 season, Seeley competed on the uneven bars, balance beam and floor. Her season average of 9.695 on bars ranks her the eighth best in school history.
Seeley was only planning to exhibition on the balance beam Monday night, but because many other team members are currently injured, she ended up competing.
“It’s a nice surprise to be back,” Seeley said.
Seeley’s performance on the beam earned her a high mark, a 9.725. She was the first of six teammates to perform on the beam. Seeley said she didn’t mind having to lead the way in her first performance this season.
“I actually feel more comfortable up there because I’m warmed up,” Seeley said. “I’d be a little more nervous if I was later on in the program and was cold.”
For now, Seeley has clearance from doctors to work on the beam and the floor.
“I’ll just have to keep working to see if any [other events] come,” she said.
Seeley said she is happy to help her team, especially on the beam, an event that continues to plague the Aggies.
“If there is anything I can do to help, whether it’s cheering or encouraging or even being up on the beam, if I can help out, I love to,” she said.