TUCSON, Ariz. — Arizona Gymnastics opened their 2018 season with a record breaking attendance at their annual GymCat Showcase.

A little over 700 GymCat fans showed up to support the team at the Showcase event, blowing the previous record of 460 attendees out of the water.

"The staff had several programmatic goals for the Showcase event," said head coach John Court. "We wanted to get the team re acclimated to competing gymnastics in McKale Center, give the fans an excellent kick off experience to the season, and make sure our equipment, marketing and events staff were ready for the opener next month. All goals were met and when you add to that the record breaking attendance for the event, it speaks volume to the support level Tucson has for the GymCats."

The Cats competed on four events, with all 15 gymnasts showing off at least one routine. Freshman Payton Bellows, who may be an all-around competitor come January, nailed her two routines on vault and beam. Junior Lauryn Mattson also shined on two her events, vault and floor.
 
Arizona's four freshman, Adra Parks, Laura Leigh Horton, Payton Bellows, and Sydney Freidin got to experience the energy in McKale Center for the first time.

"Competing for the first time in McKale was unlike anything I had imagined," said freshman Laura Leigh Horton. "There was a lot of excitement and everyone was really there to support and cheer you on. I think it was great for everyone to go and get out any nerves before our first meet in January."

Fans were excited to see the three returning seniors, Madison Cindric, Victoria Ortiz, and Kennady Schneider out on the floor. The GymCat seniors have been strong leaders on the team for the past four years, and the team and coaching staff are looking forward to see them compete for their finals season in McKale Center.

"This was a great next step in the GymCats preparation for the 2018 season," said associate head coach, David McCreary. "The girls really enjoyed giving our fans a preview of their new routines.  Next step, January 6^th!"

The GymCats will officially open their 2018 season at home on January 6th against Denver, Rutgers, and New Hampshire.
 
Season tickets for the 2018 season are on sale now through the University of Arizona Ticket Office. Tickets are available for purchase online at arizonawildcats.com or over the phone at (520) 621-CATS or (800) 452-CATS.