Dec. 1, 2004

Columbia, Mo.--Gearing up for the 2005 gymnastics season, the Mizzou Tigers look to again top in as one of the nation's finest programs. Earning a 22nd-place ranking in the GymInfo Pre-Season Coaches Poll, Missouri kicks off the season hosting a Black and Gold Scrimmage on Sat., Dec. 11 at 7:00 p.m., in the Hearnes Center.

Returning 12 athletes, including 2004 Big 12 Champions Alisha Robinson and Lauren Schwartzman, that helped lead Mizzou to a 15-3 record and to its third consecutive NCAA Regional Championship, the Tigers are ready to take on a slew of nationally touted competitors.

Missouri faces six programs ranked in the Top 25 this season, including Big 12 Conference rivals #10 Nebraska, #11 Oklahoma and #14 Iowa State. In addition, the Tigers are scheduled to match-up with five programs receiving votes in the poll in Michigan State, Illinois, New Hampshire, Pittsburgh and Illinois-Chicago.

Mizzou opens the 2005 regular season on the road against Iowa State on Jan. 7 and at the Arizona Invitational on Jan. 14. The Tigers return to Columbia to kick off the home schedule when they host Centenary on Fri., Jan. 28 at 7:00 p.m.

Season tickets for the 2005 season are available by purchasing the Mizzou Spirit Pass. For more information, please call the Missouri Athletic Department Ticket Office at 884-PAWS.