Beavers Host Orange & Black Exhibition Thursday

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Preparations for the 2015 gymnastics season continue Thursday at 7 p.m. when the Beavers host their annual Orange and Black Exhibition at Gill Coliseum. Admission is free and the gymnasts will sign autographs following the event.

“This is always an exciting time for our athletes,” head coach Tanya Chaplin said. “They’ve been training in the gym since early September, so to be able to get into Gill Coliseum is a thrill for them. I’m excited to have this opportunity in front of our fans to show them what we’re all about.”

The format for the exhibition will have the team split into two squads with gymnasts competing head-to-head. After each pairing, guest judges will determine the winner and scores will be awarded accordingly. There will be four pairings per event.

Guest judges will include members of the media that regularly cover Oregon State athletics as well as an Oregon State coach from a different Beaver team. The event, which will be emceed by OSU public address announcer Brian Brooks, will include interaction with the judges.

“This is a really fun format for the fans and the athletes and they can’t wait get out there in front of the crowd,” Chaplin said.

The Beavers officially open their season Monday, Jan. 12 when OSU hosts UCLA in the first of five home meets in 2015.

Leading the Beavers in 2015 will be returning All-American Madeline Gardiner as well as All-Pac-12 performer Chelsea Tang who was a first team selection in the all-around. Both Gardiner and Tang qualified as individual all-arounders to NCAA Championships last spring along with Kaytianna McMillan on the balance beam.

Joining the program this fall are five talented newcomers including transfers Silvia Colussi-Pelaez, Risa Perez and Jamie Radermacher as well as freshmen Dani Dessaints and Shireen Khamedoost. All four could impact the lineup in 2015.