Jan. 3, 2005
Columbia, Mo. -Missouri freshmen Julie Abaray (gymnastics) and Raymond Jordan (wrestling) were named this week's Lathrop & Gage student-athlete's of the week. While new to the University of Missouri campus, both student-athletes have proven themselves in the classroom, recording above a 3.0 grade-point average in their first semester of work. Strong members of their respective teams, both individuals have adjusted to their new homes in Columbia and have contributed time to the surrounding community.
A native of Hamilton, Ohio, Abaray is a journalism major and holds a 3.74 grade-point average. Competing in the annual Black and Gold scrimmage on Dec. 11, Abaray totaled a 38.250 all-around score, receiving career-high marks on the vault (9.70) and beam (9.70). Over the holiday season, Abaray and her fellow women's gymnastics teammates adopted a mid-Missouri family through the Voluntary Action Center and bought and wrapped Christmas presents for the entire family. Abaray is a SAAC representative for her team and helped organize and run the United Way Student Day of Change and SAAC Canned Food Drive.
Jordan comes to Missouri from New Bern, N.C. where he recently was named the 2004 James Johnson Scholastic Wrestler of the year for his high school accomplishments both on the mat and in the classroom. Undecided on his major, Jordan holds a 3.17 grade-point average and wrestles at 165 pounds for the Tigers in various open tournaments. Since starting competition in November, Jordan has claimed first-place honors at the Lindenwood Open and second place finishes at the Central Missouri State Open and Missouri Open. Jordan is 15-4 on the season.
The MU women's gymnastics team will open its 2005 season on Friday, Jan. 7, in Ames, Iowa, against the Iowa State Cyclones. Local fans will have their first opportunity to see the team in action on Friday, Jan. 21, in the Hearnes Center in a competition against Centenary College. Ranked 12th in the nation, the Missouri wrestling team will look to improve on its season record with a win over in-state rival Central Missouri State this Thursday, Jan. 6, at 7 p.m. in the Hearnes Center. For ticket information to any of Missouri's upcoming sporting events, visit the website at www.mutigers.com or call 1-800-CAT-PAWS.