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8A I Thursday, December 7, 2006 | The Red & Black Finals Edition YEAR IN REVIEW Upcoming season a ‘rebuilding’ year Gym Dogs looking to defend title By ALEX BYINGTON abyington@randb.com As Jason Jacobs looked back on his final games as a Bulldog, the former Georgia baseball player could not help but laugh when he thought of the College World Series (CWS). “Not too many good mem ories from Omaha,” Jacobs said with a chuckle. “Cause, hell, I didn’t get a hit.” The Bulldogs were elimi nated from the tournament when they lost their first two games of the CWS. But Jacobs still has fond memories of last season. “The whole experience was great. We didn’t play as well as we had hoped, but just get ting there is a feat in itself,” Jacobs said. Georgia wrapped up the season with 23 wins in their last 30 games, completing one of the most remarkable runs of any Georgia team in recent history. The team finished the season ranked No. 7 in the country. The season included record-setting years by jun iors Joey Side and Josh Morris. Both used their success to propel themselves into the professional ranks with Arizona and Atlanta, respec tively. Side set the single-season hit record (111) and became Georgia’s all-time base leader (188), while Morris became the career home run leader (51) with his 23rd and final home run of the season, also tying the school record for FILE | The Red & Black A The Bulldogs celebrate a 3-2 victory over Florida State to put them into the College World Series. most in a year. But as 2006 comes to a close, the 2007 Diamond Dogs prepare for their own memo rable season. After losing eight upper classmen starters from last season’s squad, this year looks to be a rebuilding one since at least five freshmen will be expected to play. Head coach David Perno does not expect a drop-off. “The ‘06 team set the bar, and I think it’s up to these guys here to keep the torch burning,” Perno said. By MEGAN HARRISON mharrison@randb.com It was quite a year for the Gym Dogs as they started and ended the season ranked No. 1 on their way to their second straight National Championship last April. The team showed mastery in the SEC and NCAA finals, where they received 18 All-American Awards. As a freshman, Courtney Kupets won the NCAA All- Around title, while the SEC All-Around title went to Kelsey Ericksen, who is now a senior. The success in 2006 was a continuation from the Gym Dogs’ previous season. “I have a difficult time with 2006 without tying it in with 2005,” head coach Suzanne Yoculan said. “The two go hand-in- hand, and it’s hard to sepa rate the two.” In 2005, the Gym Dogs won their sixth NCAA Championship after a season with four losses and went into the championships ranked 12 th. The team followed up the campaign by going a perfect 36-0 last season. “They were very different years,” Yoculan said. “But in terms of chemistry, they were similar years.” Yoculan added that dur ing both years, the team had the “heart of a champion” and a team attitude. One of Yoculan’s favorite moments in 2006 was when Brittany Smith decided to “pass the baton on” to underclassman Megan Dowlen in the NCAA finals for vault. Smith decided not to compete and finished her collegiate career by giving the place to Dowlen. “It was a great example of ‘big team, little me’ and wanting the team to do well,” Yoculan said. The national champi onship still impacts the team. Junior Nikki Childs said that the thought of it still gives her chills. Childs, a two-time nation al champion, said winning never gets old. The Gym Dogs are now looking forward to once again defend the national championship. They have revamped the roster, adding six fresh men including former Olympian Courtney McCool and U.S. Elite gymnast Grace Taylor. But the new year is not changing much for the Gym Dogs. Yoculan and the gym nasts said that they do not train any differently whenev er if they are ranked 12th or first in the nation. _ Discover... . Downtown Athens This holiday season, experience the sights, the sounds, the bargains, the treats, the pretties and the FUN in Downtown Athens, recently voted the #2 safest city in Georgia. Parking s a breeze, thanks to the conveniently located decks at College and Hancock Avenues. Don’t know what to buy? Lots of shopping to do in so little time? A Downtown Athens GIFT CERTIFICATE, redeemable at more than 45 unique shops and restaurants, is the perfect gift! Just call 706-353-1421 or athensdda.org for details. It’s the holidays! In fdowntownAthens! No Where Bar Athens tradition since 1980 240 North Lumpkin Athens, GA 30601 HAPPY ' HOLIDAYS FROM... on the corner of College <§■ Clayton 706-543-0702 COLD STONE 20 % ok for UGA Students, Faculty and Staff 167 E. Broad St. (706) 549-7200 MEN’S & WOMEN'S ViNTAGE & recycled CLOTHiNG NEW LOCATION! Kum’sl Your shoe, sunglass &? fashion store! 115 E. Clayton St. across from Bank of aerica/