NU's Simpson Named Big 12 Gymnast of the Week

 Nebraska junior Richelle Simpson broke the Big 12 all-around record during the Masters Classic on Sunday, Feb. 23 to earn Big 12 Conference Gymnast of the Week for the fourth time this season and second consecutive week, the conference office announced Tuesday.

Simpson's 39.800 all-around score broke the former Big 12 and Nebraska records held by Heather Brink who recorded a 39.700 on April 1, 2000. The 39.800 ties UCLA's Onnie Willis for the top all-around score in the nation this season. On individual events, Simpson scored a 9.975 on vault and beam, 9.95 on floor and 9.90 on bars. She won the vault and beam competitions outright and tied for first on floor with teammate A.J. Lamb. Her all-around score helped Nebraska to a school and Big 12 Conference  team record of 198.025. NU is just the third school in the country to break the 198 barrier this season, joining UCLA and Arizona State.

Big 12 Gymnast of the Week

Jan. 14 -- Richelle Simpson, Nebraska

Jan. 21 -- Erin Dethloff, Iowa State

Jan. 28 -- A.J. Lamb, Nebraska

Feb. 4 -- Richelle Simpson, Nebraska

Feb. 11 -- Lauren Schwartzman, Missouri

Feb. 18 -- Richelle Simpson, Nebraska

Feb. 25 -- Richelle Simpson, Nebraska