More tests for Noonan, status still unknown
Senior and No. 1 ranked Mid-American Conference beam gymnast Taylor Noonan was forced to watch her team compete against Illinois while on crutches last Sunday.
Noonan injured her knee during practice on Jan. 8. While the team has revealed no official verdict on her injury, coach Jerry Reighard said her injury might put her final season as a Chippewa in jeopardy.
“It was a pretty severe knee injury but it wasn’t (the) ACL, it was in the front of her knee,” Reighard said.
Noonan has been evaluated by team doctors. Medical officials have determined the bones are not broken and her ligaments are believed to be stable.
Reighard said Noonan has a few more diagnostic tests at the hospital including an MRI, which will determine the official condition of her ligaments.
The Colorado-native is a regarded as a vocal leader on the team as well as a national qualifier on beam. Noonan was awarded MAC Scholar-Athlete of the Week last season, following a season during which she finished on beam and bars over the 9.9 mark.
