Jan. 3, 2008

LOGAN, Utah - Utah State gymnastics head coach Ray Corn announced Thursday that freshman gymnast Erica Huelsmann will redshirt this season after having surgery to repair an injury to her shoulder.

"Erica had to have reconstructive shoulder surgery to fix an injury," Corn said. "We're sorry to lose her and wish her the best for a speedy recovery so she can return to competition next fall."

Huelsmann, a native of Naperville, Ill. (Naperville Central HS), competed as a Level 10 gymnast at the Illinois Gymnastics Institute. She placed 41st at the 2005 National Championships, after a second-place finish on the bars, beam and the all-around at regionals. At the state championships, she placed first on the beam and floor, and third in the all-around.

The Aggies now have six freshman who will compete this season along with seven returners.

Utah State hosts a "Meet The Aggies" exhibition meet on Tuesday, Jan. 8 at the HPER gym, from 1:30 - 4 p.m.

The Aggies open the year on Friday, Jan. 11 at Boise State in a dual. USU returns to Logan for its home-opener on Friday, Jan. 18 against Sacramento State, followed by its second meet in as many weeks against Boise State in the Spectrum on Tuesday, Jan. 22.

USU will begin the 2008 season ranked 33rd in the country according to the Troester Women's Preseason Coaches Poll.

Utah State 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 the Aggies qualified for postseason competition.

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.