by Chris Antonacci, Sports Information Student Assist.
Katie Rowland and Richelle Simpson share more than allegiance for the Toronto Maple Leafs. They are close friends, and not just because Rowland and Simpson both live on Atherton Hall's second floor. Theirs is a friendship that dates back to competing together on the Winsonette club team in their Canadian homeland. And now as Penn State athletes, they are linked by a competitive spirit, a thirst for success and a common bond - gymnastics.
"Richelle looks to Katie for leadership," Nittany Lions coach Steve Shepherd said. "Katie has been helping her quite a bit. She is a great role model for Richelle."
Rowland is a mentor for Simpson, and not just on the mat where the two all-around competitors have been perfecting their craft with constructive criticism. But Rowland was among Simpson's older teammates who eased the freshman's transition into Penn State life.
Gymnasts carry a full load. Those general education requirements are challenging, the study hall sessions and class attendance are mandatory and life as athlete is physically and time demanding for a program that notched the top grade-point average among Penn State's 29 teams.
And for Simpson college life and competition seemed to move fast. It was even tougher for Simpson without the familiarity that comes with being home, close to family and friends and battling homesickness before she turned 18. Just finding the right class can be a challenge.
"Everything was changing," Simpson said. "Everything in my life changed all at once."
Rowland remembered. Last year, the sophomore went through the adjustment rigors while becoming the second female gymnast in school history to compete in the all-around in every meet. This season, she has developed into a leader on the mat (after setting a school record in the all-around against Rhode Island with a 39.650 finish) and as a listener in practice and away from gymnastics.
Because they have competed together, Rowland knows intricacies of Simpson's routines like the freshman's preference to have the board to the right. And Rowland understands the constant corrections necessary to become a successful performer.
"She's familiar to me," Simpson said. "If I am having a bad day, she knows hot to try and help me." With her teammates' support, Simpson has persevered through the months of adjustments and has settled into a contributor on a youthful and hungry team determined to compete for the national championship.
"She has come so far," Rowland said. "She is doing really well."
While still young and poised with potential and upswing, Simpson has made a substantial impact for a team that has worked hard to overcome the loss of seniors Nikki Smith and Ashley Wilson to graduation from last year's squad. Not only was experience and leadership lost with their departure, but Simpson's fellow freshmen, Kelly Streicher and Dina Sulyma, have been rehabilitating injuries to compete next season while Simpson has shined. Together, the triumvirate forms a promising class that is the Lions' future.
Simpson has already been a steady contributor to the team, especially after she has settled into life as a student athlete with notable performances during the season's latter swing. Just this weekend,
Simpson tied for first place on the beam against Rhode Island with senior Maria Taylor as the two Penn State performers posted careers bests, a superlative 9.975 mark.
"Richelle just stepped right into a competitive situation," Shephard said. "She's adjusting well, but she's obviously had a few jitters."
Simpson has worked diligently had fine-tuning her performances. Although she is honored to compete in the all-around battles against tough opposition, she has set goals to be a more confident and consistent performer.
Rowland noticed Simpson's work ethic and desire as young gymnasts.as Simpson earned a spot on the Canadian national team. Simpson's commitment to gymnastics helped her land scholarship offers at other elite institutions as she finished sixth at the Canadian Gymnastics Championships.
After attending the Woodward Gymnastics Camp about 30 miles from campus and measuring up Penn State's academic and athletic program, Shephard landed this much-sought recruit.
Thus far, Simpson has not disappointed. Still, Simpson knows the season is long from over, and she continues to maintain a diligent attitude in practice, in competition and with her studies. And with a little help from her friends, Simpson is determined to find her niche, fill her role and eventually become a leader for the new class.
"I'm pretty satisfied," Simpson said. "I've been trying to handle everything and do my job for the team."