December 23, 1998
COLLEGE PARK, MD - The Maryland Terrapins will hit the road and travel to Radford, Va., to open up the 1999 season on Jan. 9 against the Radford Highlanders. Maryland has yet to lose to Radford and has compiled a 13-0 all-time record against them. This will be the seventh consecutive year that the Terps have faced the Highlanders during the regular season and the 14th time in school history. Last season, Maryland faced Radford three times, winnning by scores of 192.075 - 184.225, 192.05 - 188.50, and 190.725 - 186.60, respectively. In the 14 all-time meets against the Highlanders, this marks the 10th time that the Terps have faced them away from College Park.
TERP OPPONENTS FOR 99
Of Marylands 20 regular season opponents, seven finished in the top 25 of the 1998 final rankings. This includes Florida (#4), West Virginia (#6), Washington (#7), Arizona State (#9), Nebraska (# 10), UCLA (#13), and NC State (#20). Maryland will face Florida, Washington, Arizona State, Nebraska, and UCLA one time each throughout the season, while it will take on EAGL rivals West Virginia and NC State on two separate occassions.
READING THE ROSTER
For the 1999 season, the Terps welcome back 10 gymnasts from last season and add on six new faces. They are now comprised of two seniors, five juniors, three sophomores, and six freshmen. Maryland is counting on a mix of high energy, enthusiasm, and experience to propel Maryland to the top of the collegiate gymnastics circuit.
Junior captains Rachel Dolbin (Pottsville, Pa./Pottsville) and Christine Holcombe (McMurray, Pa./Peters Township) will be two pivotal performers for the Terps this year and are expected to be the big producers. Also look for senior Jenny Engel (Monrovia, Md./Linganore) to impress as she will try to continue her success from last season. Expect sophomores Karyn Fein (Charlotte, N.C./Providence) and Jodi Morgan (East Petersburg, Pa./Hempfield) to be the young leaders on the team, and dont be suprised if huge results are provided by freshmen Gillian Cote (Fredericksburg, Va./James Monroe) and Laura Moon (Scottsdale, Ariz./Saguaro).
MARYLAND HEAD COACH BOB NELLIGAN
This marks the 20th season that Bob Nelligan will lead the Terrapin gymnastics program. He has compiled a lifetime record of 309-292-2 (.514 winning percentage) in that time and has only coached at Maryland. He has led the Terps to the NCAA Southeast Region Championships nine times, including six consecutive from 1983 to 89. Furthermore, prior to the Terps entrance into the Southeast Region in the 1983-84 season, the Terps competed in the East Region and qualified for the championships four of the seven seasons that they were members.
Nelligan is the only Maryland coach to face Radford in competition and has compiled a record of 13-0 against the Highlanders.
ASSISTANT COACH WENDY MARSHALL
Wendy Marshall begins her first season as an assistant coach after graduating from the Univ. of Michigan in 1996. She bring tremendous experience, both in coaching and competition, with her and is expected to make an impact this year. She competed for four years at Michigan and was named the Gymnast of the Year in 1996.
