50-for-50: Upstart Gymnastics Squad Wins '76 National Title
In 2021 LB celebrates the 50-year anniversary of its athletics program. Beginning in January, we will highlight people, teams and moments from the past five decades of Roadrunner Athletics. You can nominate a former athlete, coach, team, suppter or memorable moment from LB Athletics using this form.
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The Early Years: 1969-1979
The First Women's Program: Gymnastics Team 1975-76
In the early days after passing of Title IX legislation and bolstered by a campus interest survey, Linn-Benton added women's gymnastics to its intercollegiate sports offering for the 1975-76 season. But after one spectacular year, the program participation stumbled in its second year. Ultimately, gymnastics was eliminated in 1977 to make way for the women's basketball program.
But in its historic 1976 season, the Roadrunners captured the National Junior College Athletic Association championship in Chicago, Ill., scoring 87 points and capturing first place in every single event. It was LB's sophomore Donna Southwick that finished first in all events and she, in turn, won the individual all-around national title.
Other key performers on the 1976 squad included Joy Peterson and Linda Schultz. The Roadrunners were coached by Arlene Crosman.
