Jan. 19, 2008

The University of North Carolina gymnastics team opens the 2008 season with the George Washington Invitational on Sunday, January 20th. Head coach Derek Galvin sees this meet as a great opportunity to begin the season, forcing the team to cope and learn from the distractions of a multi-team event.

"Our team is eager to begin the 2008 competitive season," Galvin says. "Coach Penny Jernigan and I have been pleased with the effort our team members have been applying in training and now we look forward to seeing how this team will compete. The first meet of the season is always very helpful in terms of identifying the areas we need to concentrate on as we continue to build this team. We have a talented group, it's going to be fun to see them blossom."

Galvin enters his 27th year with Carolina's gymnastics program and is excited to see his athletes perform. Sunday's meet will mark the collegiate debut of freshman Karli Jones from Columbia, S.C.

The team travels to George Washington University Saturday, January 19th, and will open the competitive season the following day against Cornell, Temple, and William & Mary along with EAGL rivals Rutgers and George Washington. The meet will be televised on CN8 on two separate occasions, Saturday, January 26th at 9:30 PM and Saturday, February 2nd at 3:30 PM. The event will be commentated by legendary gymnast Shannon Miller, and multiple Emmy Award winning sports reporter Lou Tilley.

With a lot to look forward to in the upcoming season, the UNC gymnastics team continues their effort with the goal in mind of being EAGL Champions once again.