Jan. 18, 2005

LOGAN, Utah - Despite going 0-2 to kickoff the season, Utah State gymnastics is ranked 24th in the nation thanks to its 193.850 against Utah last Friday. Freshman Megan Tschida is tied for 23rd in the nation with a 39.125 in the all-around. Tschida has finished second in the all-around in both the Aggies' meets this year.

The start marks the best opening score in six years for Utah State as well as the first time opening the season in the top-25 in six years. This week's rankings are based upon the team's highest score of the season. Starting next week it will be based upon team average. Currently the Aggies are tied for 17th on beam with a 48.550 and are tied for 19th on vault with a 48.775.

The Aggies lead the Western Gymnastics Conference on vault, bars, beam and team total score. USU is currently ranked 6th in the North Central Region in both high score and team average.

"This year I am not trying to focus on wins like I have the past four years," said head gymnastics coach Ray Corn. "I still want to win, but our goal is to get to Regionals. If the season ended right now we would be in."

Corn realizes that the Aggies could slip a little in the rankings with two weeks off, but is grateful for the break to allow the Aggies to get a little stronger and healthier. Of particular concern is Jessica Parenti who was diagnosed with mononucleosis last week.

"I'd rather have two weeks off without Parenti than have her miss two more meets," Corn said.

Individually, Jackie Fogli leads the conference on vault (9.850) while Rachael Mandy is third (9.775) and Rachel Ropelato and Tschida are sixth (9.750). Tschida is also fourth on bars (9.750), second on beam (9.775) and fifth on floor (9.850) in the conference.

After having two meets in three days, the Aggies will have over two weeks off before hosting another in-state rival as ninth ranked BYU comes to Logan on Feb. 1 at 6:45 p.m.