Feb. 14, 2007

PITTSBURGH - Lisa Shirk, the only female gymnast in Pitt history to capture an NCAA championship, will be honored by the University of Pittsburgh this coming weekend.

A three-time All-American, Shirk earned her national title as a sophomore 25 years ago in 1982. Pitt will commemorate the anniversary of that historic achievement by honoring her on Saturday, Feb. 17, at the men's basketball game versus Washington (2 p.m.) and the women's gymnastics meet versus Ohio State (7 p.m.).

Shirk won the uneven bars title in 1982 with a combined score of 19.00. She received a 9.45 on the first night of competition and a 9.55 in the finals. In 1981, Shirk earned All-America honors, placing second in the all-around. In 1984, she earned her third All-America honor, placing eighth on the floor exercise.

"As a gymnast, Lisa was as talented and elegant as anyone in country, and probably one of the most powerful gymnasts to compete in collegiate gymnastics," said Donna Sanft, Pitt's head gymnastics coach at the time. "My assistant coach Frank Klein and I were continually amazed by her courage and spirit. Lisa was a joy to work with, and we had so many exciting meets with those teams at that time. It's hard to believe it's been 25 years!"

A three-time All-East selection, Shirk led the Panthers to an 11th-place finish at nationals as a freshman. In 1984, she received the Panther Award, an honor presented annually to the graduating senior athlete who has promoted Pitt athletics through their outstanding athletic achievement.

Outside of Pitt gymnastics, Shirk was a member of the U.S. National Team. She was additionally invited to the World University Games in Bucharest, Romania, but had to decline due to an injury.