The 2005 Mid-American Conference Champions of the Kent State gymnastics team will begin their season tonight.

The Flashes hold their annual Blue and Gold Intrasquad meet at 7 p.m. in the M.A.C. Gymnastics Center.

Last season, the squad finished with an overall record of 17-7 and a record of 12-2 in the MAC. The Flashes went on to beat MAC rival Central Michigan at the MAC Championships on Mar. 25 in DeKalb, Ill.

The squad then went on to the NCAA Central Regional Championships on April 9 in Tuscaloosa, Ala. and finished in the No. 5 spot.

The Flashes finished last season ranked No. 33 in the nation.

Leading the Flashes this season will be the lone senior Carrie Mayle. The all-around gymnast was an All-MAC honoree last season.

Mayle ranked among the nation’s best all-around gymnasts as well. Her 38.865 average ranked her as the No. 60 all-around gymnast in the country. She was also No. 3 all-around in the MAC.

The 2006 season officially begins at the All Ohio Meet at 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 14, in Columbus. The Flashes finished up the regular season at the All Ohio Meet in March, placing first over Ohio State and Bowling Green.

– Kali Price