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The University of Utah Athletics
Annie Medcalf To Undergo Season-Ending Back Surgery
3/20/2002 12:00 AM | Gymnastics
March 20, 2002
SALT LAKE CITY -
University of Utah sophomore gymnast Annie Medcalf will undergo surgery to remove a tumor on her vertebrae and will miss the remainder of the season. Medcalf, whose chronic back problems have caused her to miss meets throughout her gymnastics career, had her best meet as a collegian before the latest setback. The Stow, Ohio, native tied her career high with a 9.875 on the beam and had a 9.825 on the bars in a meet at Michigan on Feb. 22.
The surgery, which will require removing the tumor and fusing as many as three vertebrae, will take place in the next week to 10 days. While the disorder (osteoblastoma) could be career-ending, her doctors are optimistic that she will be able to return to gymnastics training in the coming months.
"This is the kind of thing that puts gymnastics in perspective," said Ute Head Coach Greg Marsden. "It is ironic because Annie had her best competition as a Ute in our meet at Michigan just prior to this latest development. We are not as strong a team without Annie and are encouraged that the doctors are optimistic about her return to gymnastics."
The Utes play host to Brigham Young Saturday in the Huntsman Center, starting at 7 p.m.
Gymnastics Media Availability | Pre-NCAA Championships
Wednesday, April 15
Utah: 197.500 | Ala.: 197.225 | OSU: 196.375 | DU: 195.950 | Gymnastics Post-Meet Press Conference
Saturday, April 04
Utah: 197.400 vs. UCLA: 197.850 | Gymnastics Post-Meet Press Conference
Sunday, March 15
Utah: 197.650 vs. BYU: 196.550, West Virginia: 195.300 | Gymnastics Post-Meet Press Conference
Sunday, March 08