Temple University Athletics
Sunday, January 16
Washington, D.C.
6th
Temple University
at
George Washington Invitational
Aaron Murphy
Women's Gymnastics Set To Debut At George Washington Invitational
1.14.11 | Women's Gymnastics
Owls return four seniors in 2011
Season Preview Interviews
PHILADELPHIA - Keeping the momentum going has been key for the Temple women's gymnastics program. Already a force to be reckoned with in the conference, the Owls proved yet again last year they are one of the top teams in the ECAC. Fifth-year head coach Aaron Murphy has his squad set on bringing home their first ever conference title, but the road to ECAC's beings with a trip to the George Washington Invitational on January 16.
"Between the team and the coaching staff, we have our minds set on something higher than third place at ECAC's," said Murphy. "Second place would be pretty sweet for us, but first place would be that much sweeter."
Graduating a consistent competitor in Nina Oteri leaves the Owls without one of their top floor and balance beam scorers, but Murphy believes the depth of his team is their best asset.
"This year, we have a very deep team," assessed Murphy. "We brought in seven freshman for this year, and they are all very good on their individual events and very motivated."
The Owls will be heavy on senior leadership, with four athletes returning for their final year of eligibility. The group is significantly special to Murphy, being that it represents his first full recruiting class. Katie Canning will miss the season due to injury, but will return for a fifth year of competition. Kathryn Ho, Chelsea Lapent, co-captain Marissa Oxenford and co-captain Chelsea Troutman comprise a talented and experience class, one that Murphy can count on to deliver when it matters most.
"Chelsea Lapent has been consistent for us on vault, and we are hoping she can contribute on floor as well," said Murphy. "Marissa came off of a great year last season and has great leadership and a background of competing. Chelsea Troutman has gone through her share of injuries, but has great potential to be one of our top gymnasts. Kathryn has always been huge for us on bars, and we are hoping she can continue to do that this season."
Although small in numbers, the junior class' contributions will be felt immensely. Alexandra Uscatu, Kaity Watson and Corrine Williams are three of the most efficient gymnasts on the squad.
"Alexandra is a powerhouse on vault, and looks great on floor and beam as well," commented Murphy. "Watson has obviously been a powerhouse and has the ability to compete all-around. She is our top vaulter and should anchor that team."
Williams took home the title on floor at the ECAC Championships last season, also earning USAG All-American first team honors on two apparatus.
"Corrine is looking great," said Murphy. "She is on top of her game and is looking to come back and defend her title."
In their collegiate debuts, the sophomore class proved they had what it takes to compete at the highest level. With Ebone Grant, Avery Iudice and Natalie Kahler missing the season due to injury, Jean Alban, Brittany Clark and Margaret Walch stepped up and provided Temple the depth they needed to continue to be successful. Alban grew into one of the Owls' top all-arounders, earning 2010 ECAC Women's Gymnastics Rookie of the Year honors.
The freshman class is regarded by Murphy and his staff as one of their most talented in recent years. Eight fresh faces join the class of 2014, including Sylvie Borschel, Arielle Burris, Brittany Clark, Jasmine Johnson, Lindsey Yeager and Heather Zaniewski.
"It's really an all-around package," said Murphy of the incoming class. "They all have their great accomplishments from high school, but I can see our three powerhouses being Sylvie, Brittanie and Heather."
The Owls will compete against some of the best teams in the region, and once again have two chances to take down conference rival Towson. The season jumpstarts with a trip to the George Washington Invitational on January 16. Temple also competes against national powerhouse California at Penn, as well as regional foe Maryland. A trip to NCAA Regional's competitor Missouri Centenary is the top highlight of the team's travels. This year, the ECAC Championships will be held at Brown University and the USAG Nationals at Air Force.
PHILADELPHIA - Keeping the momentum going has been key for the Temple women's gymnastics program. Already a force to be reckoned with in the conference, the Owls proved yet again last year they are one of the top teams in the ECAC. Fifth-year head coach Aaron Murphy has his squad set on bringing home their first ever conference title, but the road to ECAC's beings with a trip to the George Washington Invitational on January 16.
"Between the team and the coaching staff, we have our minds set on something higher than third place at ECAC's," said Murphy. "Second place would be pretty sweet for us, but first place would be that much sweeter."
Graduating a consistent competitor in Nina Oteri leaves the Owls without one of their top floor and balance beam scorers, but Murphy believes the depth of his team is their best asset.
"This year, we have a very deep team," assessed Murphy. "We brought in seven freshman for this year, and they are all very good on their individual events and very motivated."
The Owls will be heavy on senior leadership, with four athletes returning for their final year of eligibility. The group is significantly special to Murphy, being that it represents his first full recruiting class. Katie Canning will miss the season due to injury, but will return for a fifth year of competition. Kathryn Ho, Chelsea Lapent, co-captain Marissa Oxenford and co-captain Chelsea Troutman comprise a talented and experience class, one that Murphy can count on to deliver when it matters most.
"Chelsea Lapent has been consistent for us on vault, and we are hoping she can contribute on floor as well," said Murphy. "Marissa came off of a great year last season and has great leadership and a background of competing. Chelsea Troutman has gone through her share of injuries, but has great potential to be one of our top gymnasts. Kathryn has always been huge for us on bars, and we are hoping she can continue to do that this season."
Although small in numbers, the junior class' contributions will be felt immensely. Alexandra Uscatu, Kaity Watson and Corrine Williams are three of the most efficient gymnasts on the squad.
"Alexandra is a powerhouse on vault, and looks great on floor and beam as well," commented Murphy. "Watson has obviously been a powerhouse and has the ability to compete all-around. She is our top vaulter and should anchor that team."
Williams took home the title on floor at the ECAC Championships last season, also earning USAG All-American first team honors on two apparatus.
"Corrine is looking great," said Murphy. "She is on top of her game and is looking to come back and defend her title."
In their collegiate debuts, the sophomore class proved they had what it takes to compete at the highest level. With Ebone Grant, Avery Iudice and Natalie Kahler missing the season due to injury, Jean Alban, Brittany Clark and Margaret Walch stepped up and provided Temple the depth they needed to continue to be successful. Alban grew into one of the Owls' top all-arounders, earning 2010 ECAC Women's Gymnastics Rookie of the Year honors.
The freshman class is regarded by Murphy and his staff as one of their most talented in recent years. Eight fresh faces join the class of 2014, including Sylvie Borschel, Arielle Burris, Brittany Clark, Jasmine Johnson, Lindsey Yeager and Heather Zaniewski.
"It's really an all-around package," said Murphy of the incoming class. "They all have their great accomplishments from high school, but I can see our three powerhouses being Sylvie, Brittanie and Heather."
The Owls will compete against some of the best teams in the region, and once again have two chances to take down conference rival Towson. The season jumpstarts with a trip to the George Washington Invitational on January 16. Temple also competes against national powerhouse California at Penn, as well as regional foe Maryland. A trip to NCAA Regional's competitor Missouri Centenary is the top highlight of the team's travels. This year, the ECAC Championships will be held at Brown University and the USAG Nationals at Air Force.
MBB Press Conference vs. Saint Francis (Adam Fisher)
Sunday, December 14
MBB Press Conference vs. Saint Francis (Derrian Ford & Gavin Griffiths)
Sunday, December 14
Ep. 28: Vice President/Debbie & Stanley Lefkowitz '65 Director of Athletics Arthur Johnson
Friday, December 12
Ep. 27: Men's Crew Student-Athlete Adam Curran
Thursday, December 11
