Dec. 4, 2003

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Terps head gymnastics coach Bob Nelligan has announced that redshirt-freshman Rachel Colon will receive a scholarship in 2004, after walking onto the team this year as a transfer from Michigan.

Colon, a Brightwaters, N.Y., native, previously competed for Infinity/Gold Medal Gymnastics Center-the same club gym as teammates Sarah Hoenig and Rachel Martinez, as well as former Terp All-American Jill Fisher. The 2001 Junior Olympic National all-around champion, Colon looks to make an immediate impact on the talented Terps squad.

Joining her in receiving 2004 scholarships will be two other New York natives, Gretchen Kittelberger and Doreen Baram. Next season will mark a reunion between Baram and Colon, who trained together at Infinity/Gold Medal.

Maryland gymnastics begins competition on Jan. 10 as the team takes on the Ohio state Buckeyes at 7 p.m. The first home meet for the Terps will be a quad meet vs. Temple, James Madison and Towson on Jan. 31 at 2 p.m. in the Comcast Center Gymnasium.