CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The University of Illinois men's and women's gymnastics teams will host Illini fans for a Hippies vs. Vampires Intrasquad Saturday, Oct. 27 at Kenney Gym.
"The team and the staff are really looking forward to our second annual Halloween Intrasquad," said head women's coach, Nadalie Walsh. "I believe after the men's and women's teams perform at this combined event, the community and campus will be eagerly awaiting our fast approaching competitive season."
The Halloween-themed event is free and open to the public. Fans will be admitted to Kenney Gym at the front door starting 12:45 p.m. CT and the competition gets underway at 1 p.m. The event is slated to last 1.5 hours and seats are limited. There will be a meet and greeting following the Halloween Intrasquad and fans have a chance to participate in a candy giveaway.
The annual intrasquad gives the Illini squads, a chance to compete in front of a crowd for the first time this season as well as giving fans a sneak peek at this year's newcomers and returners, including five All-Americans.
"This intrasquad gives an opportunity for friends, families, and fans to come meet these incredible student-athletes and learn who they are on a personal level," noted Walsh.
In action for the Illini will be returning All-Americans Alex Diab, Johnny Jacobson, Michael Paradise, and Sebastian Quiana for the men and Rae Balthazor for the women. The orange and blue will also introduce nine newcomers to Illini Nation. For the men, fans will get their first look at Daniel Lasenbby, Clay Mason Stephens, Michael Fletcher, Emanuele Muehlhauser, and Ian Skirkey. While the women will be represented by Maryland transfer Morgan Bixler and freshmen Mallory Mizuki, Shaylah Scott, Torie Stotz, and Erin Weisel.
"This is a great opportunity to showcase our athletes to the community in a fun and engaging way," said head men's coach Justin Spring. "We host the NCAA championships this year in April, and we want the community to feel as though they know our team and can support them throughout the year. Come out and get to know our athletes and enjoy free candy and a show this Saturday!"
Both teams continue training for the 2019 season and Orange and Blue Exhibition, which will provide fans a first look at the team in an official competition format. The exhibition will be held Saturday, Dec. 8 or Wednesday, Dec. 12 inside Huff Hall. The date will be finalized by Dec. 3, pending the announcement of the NCAA women's volleyball regional host sites. If Illinois hosts NCAA women's volleyball regionals, the exhibition will be pushed back to Wednesday, Dec. 12.
Address/Directions
1402 West Springfield Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61820. Enter through the front doors of Kenney Gym off of Springfield Avenue.
Parking
Parking is lifted during the intrasquad on October 27. Parking is available outside of Kenney Gym in the north lot. Additional parking will be available at the parking meters on South Wright St. or wherever City of Champaign street meters are available.
ADA
Kenney Gym is not ADA compliant. Fans will need to climb flights of stairs to reach viewing areas. Viewing areas are also limited during the open practice.
Follow the Illini
Stay tuned to FIGHTINGILLINI.com for all the latest information on Fighting Illini Gymnastics. Use the handles @IlliniMGym and @IlliniWGym to follow the Orange and Blue on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for complete coverage.
