TOWSON, Md. – Preparations for the 2017-18 Towson University gymnastics season have already begun as the team officially began practice this week in the Towson Center. To help generate excitement for the program's 50th anniversary season, the Tigers will be holding an open practice on Friday, Sept. 22 from 8-10 a.m. at the gymnastics practice facility inside the Towson Center. Admission is free of charge.
 
Led by team captains senior Lauren Cahalan, senior Gabby Yarussi and junior Erin Tucker, the Tigers return 14 letterwinners from a year ago and welcome two new freshmen, Kyla Gamble and Tess Zientek, who are both expected to contribute immediately this season.
 
Last year, Towson had three individuals qualify for the NCAA regional championships in Yarussi, senior Tyra McKeller and junior Mary Elle Arduino. It marked the third-straight year that the Tigers have had student-athletes qualify for regionals.
 
Arduino, McKeller, Tucker and Yarussi each earned All-East Atlantic Gymnastics League (EAGL) honors last season, while Towson finished sixth at the conference championship meet. The Tigers also had 14 student-athletes earn All-EAGL Academic Team honors, the most in program history, as the team boasted the highest GPA in the conference.
 
In addition, head coach Vicki Chliszczyk May was named 2017 NACGC/W Southeast Regional Head Coach of the Year.
 
Towson's 2017-18 schedule will be released in the coming weeks, but the Tigers are scheduled to open their home schedule in SECU Arena on Sunday, January 14 at 2 p.m.