Aug. 14, 2006

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Eight members of the 2005-06 Missouri gymnastics team were named 2006 Scholar Athletes by the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastic Coaches (NACGC/W) last week. Additionally, the Tiger squad was recognized as an NACGC/W Academic Team for the sixth-consecutive year after recording a 3.191 grade-point-average.

Tigers who earned Scholar Athlete accolades include Julie Abaray (Cincinnati, Ohio / Queen City Gymnastics), Alicia Gilmore (St. Charles, Mo. / All-American Gymnastics), Alicia Hatcher (Blue Springs, Mo. / GAGE), Jodie Heinicka (Seminole, Fla. / LaFleur's Largo Gymnastics), Katie Kluga (Downers Grove, Ill. / IGI ), Amanda Pezzullo (Wheaton, Ill. / IGI), Lauren Schwartzman (San Antonio, Texas / South Texas Gymnastics) and Sarah Zigler (Franklin, Tenn. / Westside Gymnastics). Gilmore is now three-time Scholar Athlete honoree while Abaray and Pezzullo also earned the honors in 2005.

Missouri's eight selections in 2006 bring the squad's seven year total to 27 under the direction of Head Coach Rob Drass.

To be eligible for consideration, a scholar-athlete must post a 3.50 GPA or higher during the full academic year or maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher.