Dec. 11, 2008

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Following more than three months of preseason preparation, the 2008-09 University of Maryland gymnastics squad will be unveiled to the general public Saturday at 2 p.m. when the team holds its annual Red vs. Black intrasquad meet in the Comcast Center Pavilion.

The Terps will be divided into two squads, with the red team squaring off against the black team. The red squad will feature senior Kelsey Nelligan, juniors Brandi George and Margaux Meeks, sophomores Abbey Adams and Kaitlin Joseph and freshman Kyra Phillips. The black squad will counter with juniors Michele Brenner, Allie Dama, Candice King and Talia Tossone, sophomores Kelsey McDermid and Lisa Reifschneider and freshman Becca Pang.

Guest coaches will be on hand to coach both teams, and Maryland student-athletes will judge the meet. Serving as a showcase of the gymnastics team for fans, the intrasquad is free to the public, and Terrapin fans of all ages are encouraged to attend. The team will autograph posters following the completion of the meet.

Maryland took to the gym for a six-week boot camp at the start of September, and the team has been conducting regular preseason practices since that time. The Terps also participated in a closed-door intrasquad Nov. 22. Saturday's intrasquad represents one of the team's final stages of preparation prior to the start of the regular season next month.

Entering their final season under head coach Bob Nelligan, who will retire following the 2008-09 campaign, the Maryland gymnastics team boasts a junior-laden squad consisting of 10 returning letterwinners. Juniors Brenner, Dama, George and Tossone and each qualified individually for the NCAA Southeast Regional Championships last season.

The Terps open the regular season by playing host to Kent State at 7 p.m. Jan. 9 in the Comcast Center Pavilion.