Feb. 24, 2005
Columbia, Mo. - Hosting the 25th Annual Callaway Bank Cat Classic, the Mizzou Tiger gymnastics team looks to extend its legacy as one of the nations' most watched athletic programs.
Marking a quarter century of success, the Cat Classic has served as the Tigers' trademark event. Chiseling the record books, Mizzou's top 19 all-time high attendance totals have come from Cat Classic crowds, including the 1987 and 1985 pools that saw over 10,000 fans cheer for the Black & Gold.
Keeping step with the nation's top programs, Cat Classic turnout has ranked as one of the country's top 10 most attended gymnastics events each season. Averaging over 4,000 fans each year, including 12 crowds of over 6,000 spectators, the Cat Classic reigns as one of the nation's premier competitions.
On track to see another hallmark audience this weekend, the Tigers opened the 2005 home season recording the program's top three dual meet attendance marks. Kicking off the year hosting Centenery in the inaugural Pink Out meet, Mizzou welcomed 1,686 fans marking both the highest season opening and dual meet turnout in Tiger history.
Building on that momentum, the Tigers look to again see record numbers at its 2005 signature event. The Callaway Bank Cat Classic serves as the nation's only in-season NCAA Championship forum including both a team competition and individual championship final. Promising to be a stellar showcase, the #24 ranked Tigers welcome #31 New Hampshire, #36 Towson and Illinois State to the two-day showcase held Fri., Feb. 25 and Sat., Feb. 26.
Both sessions of the Callaway Bank Cat Classic begin at 7:00 p.m., in the Hearnes Center. For ticket information, please call the Missouri Athletic Ticket Office at 884-PAWS. Keep the Tiger tradition alive helping Mizzou gymnastics with another year of record setting support.