Several factors are going to play into the Oregon State University's gymnastics team's success this year, said Beaver Head Coach Tanya Chaplin.

For one thing, Chaplin has witnessed the return of four of her athletes to full strength over the summer. Senior Jerra Lopez and sophomore All-American Tanya Ricioli will return to the line-up after missing nearly the entire 2001 season with ruptured Achilles tendons. Sophomore Lindsay Nelson and junior Elizabeth Jillson have both fully recuperated from surgery as well. What's more, junior all-arounder Annie Campbell is stronger than ever. Chaplin also contends the Beavers' seven freshmen will provide a nice balance for the squad's nine returning team members.

"We have had a remarkable preseason," said Chaplin, who is in her fifth year at OSU. "We are stronger than we have been in the past. We have more depth. After last year, when we lost so many gymnasts to injury, we really turned heads when we made it to Nationals. This year, I think people are going to be surprised to see this team come out. We are going to be very strong."

Last year marked the second time in a row the Beavers qualified for the NCAA Championships. Chaplin said the trip to the meet is something her gymnasts are now expecting.

"Every year, I've seen these girls pick it up," Chaplin explained. "The juniors have been to nationals each year they've been here. They know what it takes to get there, so they push their intensity each year, knowing 'this got me this far.' This is a good thing to see."

The Beavers' big goal is to take the next step and break into the Super Six finals this year. "Our team is working diligently toward this goal," Chaplin said. Before doing that, though, the squad must get through their tough schedule, which includes the likes of Pac-10 rivals Arizona State, Stanford and two-time defending national champions UCLA. They must also get through the Washington Huskies and the Arizona Gymcats, both teams that are "always on the bubble," according to Chaplin. Outside of the conference, the Beavers meet with Utah, Michigan and Denver.

"This is going to be a tough schedule," Chaplin said. "But I believe this makes our athletes stronger and tougher."

Fans should especially watch the Beavers on the balance beam this year, as it is currently their strongest event. The uneven bars will be even stronger for them this year. At this point, Chaplin said, there are no events she foresees being a real concern.

And if there is anyone happier about the new one-vault rule, it's Chaplin. After all, she had two individuals qualify to the vault finals. This year, some of those gymnasts who underwent surgery will be returning to the line-up as well.

Individually, Ricioli and Campbell will be the Beavers' strongest all-around competitors, Chaplin said. Jillson will be the OSU gymnast to watch for on bars. Chaplin explained that it is still too early to predict who will truly standout on which event, though.

Perhaps one of the things the OSU gymnasts most anticipate this season is competing in front of the thousands of gymnastics fans at the NCAA Championships. "We don't have as many fans here as you have at Alabama," Chaplin said. "We love to compete in front of packed houses."

Judging by the last two Alabama-hosted Nationals with record-setting crowds, it might not be too tough to fulfill this wish.