Reighard wins individual MAC title


Chris McCarty

The Mount Pleasant freshman did not practice until last Thursday because of an injury to her back suffered Sunday against Ball State.

Reighard even moved home so her parents could help her recover. But nothing could stop her from competing in the MAC championship.

It seemed adversity had only made Reighard better and she became CMU’s fifth all around MAC champion.

“I was so calm and relaxed, I don’t know how it was possible for me to do that,” Reighard said. “I was just so into my team, made it easier for me.

“My faith and God’s promises got me through the day.”

Her all around score of 39.425 ties the school record and is a career-high.

“As a father, I am so proud of her,” said Head Coach Jerry Reighard. “It was just a real special joy to see her do so well.”

Kara Reighard finished tied for second on the bars and the balance beam. She tied her career-high with a 9.85 to finish third on vault and scored a 9.875 on floor exercise.

“She has lots of tenacity and never gives up,” Jerry Reighard said. “It’s just an incredible start to her career.”

Friday night, Kara Reighard was named the MAC freshman of the year. She is the first CMU gymnast to win the award.

Reighard was named the MAC gymnast of the week three times this season and was a first team all MAC selection at the championship’s conclusion.

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