Never Giving Up
2/14/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
Feb. 14, 2002
When gymnast Jane McIntosh was asked what her biggest athletic goals were, her answer didn't involve winning or losing. She didn't reply with aspirations of first-place finishes or medals around her neck.
"My goal ever since I was a freshman was to help out the team as much as I could, and that hasn't changed," the senior co-captain stated. "I've taken on a leadership role since then, but I've always just wanted to help the team."
Helping her teammates do their best is only the beginning of McIntosh's contribution to a developing, improving Michigan State gymnastics program. From her first year as a Spartan competitor until now, Jane McIntosh has always influenced her teammates through her physical and mental strength.
As a 1998 graduate of Concord High School in Michigan, it seemed that McIntosh would have a wide selection of gymnastics programs to choose from for college. After all, she was a five-time state champion and also qualified for the Championships of the USA as an elite gymnast in 1995.
So why did she choose Michigan State?
"On my first visit to MSU, the biggest thing that made me come here was the atmosphere," McIntosh stated. "I really felt like I fit in. Plus, (head coach) Kathie Klages recruited me hard. I felt like she really wanted me here."
Coach Klages has demonstrated the utmost confidence in McIntosh, regardless of a number of injuries that have plagued her career.
McIntosh underwent her first shoulder surgery before her senior year of high school, but had a remarkable first season at MSU, earning scores as high as 9.875 on the balance beam as a freshman. Although she had several of the highest scores on the team, she was disappointed that she could not compete on the uneven bars due to her shoulder.
"I was expecting to do the all-around all four years. It was so hard having an event taken away from you."
McIntosh endured more disappointments during her sophomore year. Although she reached the NCAA Region IV Championship and came home with a career high 9.875 on the floor exercise, a torn cartilage caused her to have another surgery after the season.
Junior year was an advantageous season for McIntosh. Earning her third letter and chosen as a captain, she tied MSU's best-ever score on the balance beam at 9.950, and also tied the team's top season score on the floor exercise with a 9.900. She was also one of three Spartans to compete at the NCAA Regional Championships.
Injury struck McIntosh once more after the season. She underwent her third shoulder surgery during the summer, and it has affected her performances in practice for her final year with the program.
McIntosh shared her feelings on the ups and downs of her college career.
"This past surgery was definitely the hardest to come back from. It took a long time for me to even start practicing. It's so frustrating not to be able to practice like I used to. I'll have a setback, then a comeback, then another setback, and another comeback."
McIntosh still is grateful for the people around her during her toughest moments.
"I've got two understanding coaches that still have so much faith in me that I'll get better, and I've got two great athletic trainers. They've all seen how frustrating this all is for me, and I feel so close to them because of it."
With the encouragement of her coaches and trainers, Jane McIntosh shocked everyone including herself at her first and only meet so far this season, February 3rd at the State of Michigan Classic. She won the balance beam event scoring 9.875, and took a third-place finish on the floor exercise at 9.800.
"I definitely did not expect to do as well as I did. I didn't even think I was going to be in the line-up for the meet! I was just happy to be competing, but it was really exciting to have my teammates come up to me and congratulate me. One of my teammates actually said 'We have the old Jane back!'"
Through her roller-coaster collegiate career, McIntosh has always tried to do her best for the team, regardless of the emotional and physical pain she endures every day.
"Everyone, including me, has questioned why I'm still competing this last year. My answer is that I just love the sport. Competition is what motivates me, and its what I live for. Its not easy when everyone questions why I'm even here, but I can't quit now, only to look back and say to myself, 'what if?'"
Looking at her experiences, one can't help but compare McIntosh's situation to that of her athletic hero, Lance Armstrong - the American cyclist who overcame testicular cancer to win the Tour De France each of the last three years.
"He had a huge obstacle that prevented him from being able to do what he wanted, but it was never about winning or losing to him, it was about him getting back on that bike and doing what he loved. I try to keep that mentality of never giving up."
Whether she's on the balance beam or cheering her teammates on in practice, Jane McIntosh tries to set a good example for the team. She helps the team the best way she knows how: by never giving up.
