It's been almost eight years since Corey Hartung, then 13, moved with her parents from North Huntington Township to Gaithersburg, Md., in order to concentrate on her gymnastics training.

Despite the move, Hartung still considers Pittsburgh her home, and she would spend her summers visiting friends and family who live in the area. So, when University of Florida gymnastics coach Rhonda Faehn wanted to give Hartung a chance to compete close to her "hometown," deciding on the location was easy.

Around 75 friends and family were at the Fitzgerald Field House earlier this month to watch Hartung, a junior on the No. 3-ranked Gators, compete in a dual meet against Pitt.

"I'm very excited," Hartung said before the meet. "Everybody keeps asking me, 'Are you going to be nervous?' I'm used to competing in front of big crowds. I'm excited, not nervous. It's a wonderful opportunity to go to Pittsburgh."

Faehn said it's common for her to seek out chances for her gymnasts to compete in their home states. In this case, Florida's first visit to Pitt since 1985 benefitted two of her athletes. Sophomore Rebekah Zaiser, a Marshall Township resident, also is on the Gators' roster.

"Half of my team is from the state of Florida. They're fortunate. Their families see them all the time," Faehn said. "The others, we try to schedule something close to home, so their families can see them once in their college careers."

Hartung took advantage of her opportunityagainst Pitt, winning the all-around title in the Gators' 196.85-190.825 victory against the Panthers. The all-around title was her third this season and the 10th of her career, making her the eighth gymnast in Florida's history to reach double digits.

Against Pitt, Hartung also won the floor exercise. That victory raised her total of event titles to eight in six meets this season: three in the vault, three in the balance beam and two in the floor exercise.

"[Hartung] is tremendous," Faehn said. "You couldn't ask for more from a gymnast. I like to call her the 'Perfect Gator.' She's disciplined in everything she does. She's very humble, has a big heart and is a phenomenal gymnastic talent. She's the all-around package."

Hartung is a vital part of a Florida team with national-title aspirations. Last season, the Gators won the SEC title and finished third in the NCAA championships. This year, the Gators briefly held the No. 1 ranking before losing to Georgia last month.

"The big goal is the national championship," Hartung said. "That's what we're working for. That's what we're building up to."

In the process, Hartung has her own individual list of achievements to add to. She's a six-time All-American and has twice been named to the All-SEC team. As a sophomore, she finished in a tie for third in the balance beam and a tie for fourth in the floor exercise at the NCAA championships and was named a first-team All-American in both events.

Hartung said the floor exercise and balance beam continue to be her strongest events because of her flexibility and dancing ability.

"She's maybe the most beautiful gymnast I've ever seen," Zaiser said. "She's a fabulous artistic gymnast. Some have the skills, but they can't perform with finesse and beauty. Corey does have the skills, with the most beauty and finesse I've ever seen."

"Corey is an amazing competitor," Zaiser added. "She's so calm, so cool in every event, you don't think she has nerves."

Hartung and Zaiser supporters easily dominated the announced crowd of 695 at the Feb. 10 meet. The two easily maxed out Florida's guest list.

"There were 74 slots on the pass list, and all 74 were taken up by their friends and family," said Mary Howard, of the Florida sports information department.

"I can't remember anywhere we've gone with this many people on the list."