TV stars welcome gymnasts

LOS ANGELES - Actor John Lithgow, star of NBC's hit comedy "Third Rock from the Sun," appeared at Friday's women's gymnastics Super 6.

Lithgow appeared before a crowd of 3,000-plus and delivered an introduction in tune with the tournament's "The Stars Come Out" theme.

Despite his time constraints, Lithgow makes an effort to follow the Bruins and keep in contact with their head coach, Valorie Kondos.

"I have known the UCLA coach for some time and she asked me to give the introduction," Lithgow said.

Lithgow watched from the stands, like everyone else, and enjoyed Pauley Pavilion's talent exhibition.

Jaleel White, star of the ABC sitcom "Family Matters," also made an appearance on Saturday.

White, refraining from using the whiny voice he assumed as Steve Urkel, sported a "South Park" T-shirt and echoed Lithgow's remarks.

Gym dogs Unleashed: Regardless of whether Georgia was struggling with a 9.2, or icing the national championship with a perfect 10, the Gym dog fans were on their feet and roaring.

Georgia repaid its fans, who made one of the longest road trips of all teams competing, with a title - as well as a bit of credit.

"We would not be able to do such an enthusiastic job without the fans," Georgia coach Suzanne Yoculan said. "It is always nice to travel with the big Georgia family."

Georgia's unparalleled NCAA fan base stemmed from home support Michigan can only dream about.

"We sell out meets all the time with over 9,000 fans," Georgia alumnus Kurk Smith said.

"Gymnastics are the second highest attended sports on campus behind football."

See the Super 6: If more than suspense about the weekend's results lures you to watch women's gymnastics, the brilliant performances of the Super 6 will air on network television.

On Sunday, May 2, an edited version of the Super 6 will air at 2 p.m on CBS.

04-20-98