As in past years, Excite Nite was a rousing success as the 2001 edition entertained 5,500 enthusiastic University of Kentucky gymnastics fans at Memorial Coliseum.

With Master of Ceremonies Dick Gabriel, head coach Leah Little and Carl Nathe, the voice of the GymKats, leading the way, the crowd was introduced to this season’s squad with much hoopla and fanfare. Riding the “Jungle Gym” theme, the Kats opened the festivities with a dance number complete with safari hats and jungle attire.

The GymKats split into two squads headed up by senior Beth Coleman and junior Katie Toups for an intra-squad scrimmage with each side of the Coliseum cheering for one squad. The competition was fierce as Coleman’s white squad, down after the first two rotations, made a strong comeback in the final two to overtake Toups’ blue squad, 117.700-117.100.

The UK pom squad and 10-time national champion cheerleaders also were on hand and performed to the delight of the fans. The cheerleading squad even gave the fans a sneak peek at the routine it will perform at the upcoming national championships. To top things off, the Anderson All-Stars, from Anderson, Ind., provided the crowd with their dance moves, while fan-favorite Percy Price contributed an impersonation of Sisqo.

What the night gave the fans was fun, prizes and a chance to meet the GymKats, who signed autographs for 30 minutes afterward.

Preparations for Excite Nite continue right up until the show starts.	The 10-time national champion UK cheerleaders give the Excite Nite crowd a preview of the routine they will perform at this year’s championships.	For the 11th consecutive year more than 5,000 fans show their support as the GymKats open another season with Excite Nite.
Emcee Dick Gabriel, White team captain Beth Coleman, Coach Leah Little and Blue team captain Katie Toups divide the crowd into cheering sections.	(R-L) Freshmen Julie Joy, Gina Augspurger and Stacey Hackett are introduced to the crowd for the first time as GymKats.	The blue team is introduced to the crowd.
Junior Nicole Allen, a 2000 Academic All-American, prepares for her bar routine.	2000 SEC Freshman of the Year Julia Gore focuses on her bar routine.	Freshman Julie Joy prepares for her first vault.