Sept. 4, 2001

Columbia, Mo.-The University of Missouri women's gymnastics team hits the gym Fri., Sept. 7 for their first team practice of the 2001-02 season. The Tigers have been on campus since the beginning of August performing individual workouts and athletic rehabilitation in preparation for the upcoming year.

The Tigers usher in a new era of Mizzou gymnastics with the addition of five freshmen to a squad of six juniors and four sophomores. Also bringing a new spark to the MU program is new assistant coach Paul Scardina from the University of Michigan. Relying on the talents of its returning athletes and coaching staff in addition to the exciting lineup of new faces, Missouri looks to continue the strides made last year when MU recorded three of the top-15 team scores in school history.

Media members wishing to keep up with all the action of the Mizzou gymnastics team, please contact the Missouri Media Relations Office at (573) 882-2531 for interview availability.