Jan. 3, 2002

Columbia, Mo.-The University of Missouri gymnastics team invites media members to check out the upcoming action of its 2002 season. The Tigers will host an open interview forum following practice on Mon., Jan. 7 at 12:00 p.m. Media representatives are invited to attend an intra-squad vaulting practice prior to interviews beginning at 10:45 a.m.

The Tigers look to build upon a stellar 2001 season that saw three Mizzou athletes compete in the NCAA Region III Championship. Mizzou returns eight letterwinners to the team and adds seven newcomers to the 2002 roster. Topping the lineup, juniors Leah Gremaud, Alina Hamm and Laura Forbes look to follow up their record breaking 2001 campaign with more fireworks. Sophomores Lindsay Davis and Andrea Nervig are poised to once again have star studded seasons, and with the addition of redshirts Rachel Bridges and Terri Baker, the Tigers round out an experienced and competitive veteran squad.

Adding to the ranks of the newcomers, freshman Alisha Robinson, the 2001 U.S. Power Tumbling Champion, looks to be a strong competitor. Freshman Ashley Asraf, a powerful gymnast out of Tom's River, N.J., looks to make an impact on the vault and floor and Rachael Dombart, from Gwinnett Gymnastics Center in Woodstock, Ga., promises to be competitive on the uneven bars and balance beam.

Missouri opens the 2002 regular season at Bowling Green on Sun., Jan. 13 and makes its home debut against Southeast Missouri State on Sun., Jan. 20 at 2:00 p.m., in the Hearnes Center.