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Klinger to hit high bar at regionals for Wolverines

Thanks to Michigan senior Kris Klinger, men's gymnastics coach Bob Darden's career isn't quite over just yet.

But then again, neither is Klinger's.

On Monday, the senior from Kalamazoo was selected to compete on the high bar at the 1996 NCAA east regionals to be held Saturday in Iowa City.

"I'm just happy to be there again for the fourth time," Klinger said.

Klinger tied his career best on the high bar with a 9.6 score last weekend at Michigan State.

The Wolverine senior is no stranger to NCAA postseason competition, having qualified for regionals on the event in each of the past three seasons. In 1993, he advanced all the way to the NCAA championships.

Not only has he extended his own season, he has postponed Darden's retirement for a little while longer. More than two weeks ago, Darden announced his plan to resign at the end of the season.

"It's nice that he is a candidate this year and that he has allowed me to come along with him and prolong my final season," Darden said.

Klinger was selected by a process used by the NCAA that reaches deep into the pool of potential gymnasts. The top six teams that qualify for the regionals send all their gymnasts. Then, the top individuals from the teams that did not make the regionals are selected to compete as well.

"I'm going to try to make it to nationals like I did as a freshman," Klinger said.

The Wolverines have had a difficult year, finishing Darden's final season with a 0-12 record. With only three seniors remaining on the squad, this has been a rebuilding year, Darden said.

Along with Klinger, three other teammates were regional hopefuls -- senior Chris Onuska, junior Flavio Martins and junior Jason MacDonald. Only Klinger was selected, however.

The training regimen for Klinger this week consists of fine-tuning the little aspects of his routine. Concentrating on the landing dismount is Klinger's biggest task, Darden said.

"Kris and I have had a great four years together," Darden said. "He's on track to continue in the same direction as in his freshman year, when he qualified for nationals."

Klinger hopes to end his senior season on a very positive note.

"The biggest difference this year is that it's my last time," Klinger added. "In previous years I've put a lot of pressure on myself to perform, and this year I plan to relax and have more fun."