Jan. 10, 2008

LOGAN, Utah - Utah State will open the 2008 gymnastics season on Friday, Jan. 11 when the Aggies take on Boise State in a Western Athletic Conference dual at BSU's Taco Bell Arena, starting at 7 p.m. USU enters its 31st season of gymnastics with a No. 33 ranking, while Boise State is No. 28.

"We are excited about getting the season started," said USU head coach Ray Corn, who is entering his 31st season at the helm of the Aggies and is the only head coach in the school's Division I history. "With our very young team, our approach is to this season is a little bit slower manner than most, but we will still be evaluating our conditioning, performances and our routines in hopes of improving each and every meet. We will add more difficulty throughout everything and get better from week to week."

Fans can watch Friday's meet at Boise State through BSU's web site, www.broncosports.com, streamed on Bronco Vision, for a cost of $9.95.

Utah State and Boise State were tied for third in the preseason WAC poll, behind defending conference champion Sacramento State and Southern Utah who tied for first.

"I'm extremely pleased that we're tied with Boise State for third in the preseason poll," Corn said. "I think it gives us the opportunity to come into the season as the role of underdogs and only improve week in and week out."

The Aggies have six freshmen who will compete this season along with seven returners from last season's squad that finished third at the 2007 WAC Championships and sixth at last year's NCAA Regionals, marking the 26th time in the 30 years of USU Gymnastics that Utah State qualified for postseason competition.

The Aggies topped the Broncos in all four meetings last year, in home-and-home duals, a quad meet at San Jose State and at the WAC Championships.

"Last year we took four from them," Corn said. "So I expect that they'll remember that and come out with more than just their best efforts. I think that Boise State is one of the most improved gymnastics team in not only the conference but the country as well."

Boise State is under new leadership as former assistant coaches Tina Bird and Neil Resnick were promoted to co-head coaches, replacing Sam Sandmire, who retired after 20 seasons with the program.

A total of 11 letterwinners return for Boise State, including two seniors and five juniors from last season's squad that posted a 6-17 overall record, finishing sixth at the 2007 WAC Championships.

USU returns to Logan for its home-opener on Jan. 18 against Sacramento State, followed by its second meet in as many weeks against Boise State in the Spectrum on Jan. 22.

"We have a number of young gymnasts who have a lot to learn about college gymnastics, but combined with our veterans give us a talented gymnastics team. We are very excited to get the season going," Corn said.

All USU home meets begin at 6:30 p.m.

Gymnastics tickets are available through the USU Ticket Office at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum, online at www.UtahStateAggies.com and clicking on "tickets" in left column, or by calling 1-888-U-STATE-1 or (435) 797-0305.

-USU-