December 30, 1998

A pair of Missourians signed letters of intent to compete in women's gymnastics at the University of Missouri during last month's signing period, Head Coach Jake Jacobson announced.

Joining the Tigers will be Leah Gremaud from St. Peters (Fort Zumwalt South High School), and Alina Hamm from Springfield (Kickapoo High School). Missouri, which returns nine letterwinners for the 1999 season, will lose three seniors this year - Jessica Haag, Kelly McKinnie, and Amanda Peterson.

Gremaud competes in St. Louis for Team Central and Coach Scott Cusimano. McKinnie and MU junior Meggen Smiley are also Team Central products, and Tiger assistant coach Eric Geren once coached there.

Hamm is an exceptional vaulter who has worked with the same club coaches as current Tiger Alison Akers - Debbie Ward and Dwan Parkin. The Tigers open their '99 season on Jan. 9, competing at Michigan State. Their first home event will be the 9th annual Shakespeare's Festival, Jan. 17.