Spring Break
Athletes of the year
Ashley George and Austin Bautista
Christopher Kuhagen
Issue date: 5/13/09 Section: Sports
|
Besides competing for two of UW-Whitewater's up- and-coming programs, gymnastics and wrestling, the two All-Americans come from opposite spectrums.
George is from the small city of East Dubuque, Ill., a population of less than 2,000, while Bautista resides in Des Plaines, Ill., a city right outside of Chicago.
One entertains crowds with elegance, beauty and perfection off the ground, while the other puts on a show by inflicting pain in a squared circle.
There are differences, but the two share one thing in common: Both were selected by the Royal Purple as the 2008-09 UW-Whitewater athletes of the year.
For George, becoming one of the most accomplished gymnasts in Warhawk history wasn't in her initial agenda.
"I was so scared," George said of her freshman season. "It was really hard to adjust."
Fast forward four years and George became a national champion. She won the uneven bars at the NCGA championships March 20.
"It's not something I necessarily thought I could ever do," the senior said. "So I think it was extra special for me to actually go and achieve something like that. It was just amazing, and I'll know that I'll never have an experience where I feel that same way."
Her championship might also be more rewarding knowing that she overcame a left ankle injury right before her junior year. The injury was only nine months after George had a breakout sophomore season that saw her claim All-American honors.
Although George admitted the injury bothered her throughout the 2009 season, she fought through the pain.
"I didn't practice all preseason, because we were trying to figure out what was really wrong, because there were days where I couldn't even walk or get through practice," George said. "I was very hesitant. And then I realize it hurts more when you do that."
What didn't hurt George, however, were her performances throughout the year - especially at nationals.
George helped the team hold the No. 1 ranking for much of the season and was a prime reason the Warhawks finished third at the NCGA championships.
Be the first to comment on this story