Florida's Ashan?e Dickerson Named SEC Freshman Gymnast of the Week
Tuesday, January 19, 2010 | Gymnastics
University of Florida's Ashan?e Dickerson (Ah-ZHAH-nay) is the Southeastern Conference Freshman Gymnast of the Week, the league office announced Tuesday. Dickerson is the first Gator to pick up the SEC Freshman Gymnast of the Week honor since it began for the 2009 season. Alabama senior Ricki Lebegern picked up the SEC Gymnast of the Week award.
Dickerson is two-for-two in all-around wins in 2010, upping her collegiate-best to 39.475 to take the title in Florida's Jan. 15 dual meet win versus then No. 7 Arkansas. Dickerson, who is from Jacksonville, Fla., also claimed at least a share of two other event titles Friday with UF season-best marks – vault (9.925) and floor exercise (9.90).
Dickerson is ranked No. 2 in the nation in the all-around for season average (39.412) and season-high total (39.475). In national event rankings, Dickerson is among the nation's top 10 for three events – No. T4 vault (season average 9.90), No. T8 balance beam (9.85) and No. T9 floor exercise (9.875). She is the first Gator freshman to take the title in their first two all-around performances since former All-American Corey Hartung in 2006. Dickerson leads UF with five event titles through two competitions.
Florida moved up to No. 4 this week in the GymInfo national rankings and will meet No. 12 Kentucky this Friday in Lexington, Ky. Meet time is set for 7 p.m. in the Memorial Coliseum.
