COLLEGE PARK, Md. --The Maryland gymnastics team kicks off its 2015 campaign Friday, January 9th at 7 p.m. against West Virginia and George Washington at the XFINITY Center. The meet will also serve as the inaugural Beauty and the Beast event with the wrestling team. Coming off its sixth consecutive NCAA regional appearance, the Terps return 14 letterwinners from last season and have added four talented freshmen to the fold as well.
This season, the GymTerps boast an unprecedented lineup of both depth and talent, with this year's team proving a balanced attack of experience, veteran leadership and key newcomers. Led by seniors and 2013 All-America honorees, Katy Dodds and Stephanie Giameo, the team will look to make a statement in their inaugural season in the Big Ten. Six seniors round out the Terps roster, with all bringing veteran poise, leadership and experience to a healthy and exciting squad.
Senior Stephanie Giameo along with freshman standout Abbie Epperson were recently named to the preseason Big Ten Women's Gymnastics Watch List by the conference office. The GymTerps have not lost a home meet in two consecutive seasons.
The season opener coincides with the inaugural 'Beauty and the Beast' meet. Both the gymnastics and wrestling teams will compete simultaneously on the main floor of the XFINITY Center. The distinctive layout of the event will allow Maryland fans to enjoy the different aspects of both spots at the same time. A joint autograph session featuring student-athletes from both squads will immediately follow competition. Admission is free to the public.
The Terps finished the 2014 season 11-7 and 6-6 in conference play. Plagued by injuries throughout the season, Maryland placed second in the EAGL and was awarded a University Park NCAA Regional bid where they placed sixth.
Scouting the Mountaineers
· The Mountaineers open their 2015 campaign with Friday's meet against Maryland and George Washington.
· WVU finished the 2014 season 6-11 record and finished third at the Big 12 Championship.
· The team returns 11 competitors from last season and added seven to this season's squad.
· West Virginia visited the XFINITY Center twice last season, dropping both meets to the Terps, but hold a 44-21-1 series record against Maryland.
· Senior Dayah Haley from Pasadena, Md., attended the same high school, Magruder, as Maryland Senior Katy Dodds and Junior Bailey Philbin. West Virginia has four student-athletes from Maryland on its roster.
· The Mountaineers host Maryland with New Hampshire and Rutgers in Morgantown, W.V. on Feb. 22, 2015.
Scouting the Colonials:
· Friday's meet against Maryland and West Virginia marks the opening competition to the Colonials' 2015 season.
· The Colonials finished the 2014 campaign an even 13-13 and finished fifth at the EAGL Championship.
· George Washington returns ten gymnasts from last season and has added seven freshmen to the fold.
· Last season Maryland and George Washington splitting home-and-home meets, with the Terps holding a 55-35 all-time series record.
· Sophomore Chelsea Raineri from Telford, Pa. attended the same high school, Boyertown Area Senior, as Maryland senior Shannon Skochko. George Washington has one student-athlete from Maryland on its roster.
· George Washington visits the XFINITY Center for a second time on Feb. 20, 2015 for a quad-meet with Maryland, Towson and William and Mary.
Nelligan Inks Contract Extension:
· Head coach Brett Nelligan recently signed a multiyear contract extension. The extension will keep Nelligan with the Terrapins until at least 2019.
· Entering his sixth season as head coach, Nelligan has amassed an 89-56-1 record including an impressive 35-16 conference mark over his tenure.
The B1G 4-0:
· The 2015 campaign marks the 40th season of gymnastics at the University of Maryland. Maryland gymnastics holds a program record of 604-519-6 with a 95-80 conference mark over the 40-year tenure.
· This season also marks the Terps inaugural season in the Big Ten conference. The Terps host #17 Minnesota and defending Big Ten Champion #8 Michigan at the XFINITY Center.
Event Multimedia:
· Fans can watch the meet on BTN2Go.com and follow along with live stats on Maryland.Statbroadcast.com once the meet begins. Also, follow @TerpsGymnastics on Twitter for live updates throughout the meet.
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