By Kirshawna Fitzhugh
For the Daily Titan

Nastia Liukin of the United States performs a beam routine during the gymnastics gala n the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing, China. Photo Courtesy MCT.

Strength, flexibility and balance; gymnastics mats, leotards and talent; family, friends, coaches; and Beijing Olympic gold medalist: Nastia Liukin.

This is what will be seen at the 2009 Southern California College Preview meet-and-greet to benefit the Titans’ gymnastics program on Dec. 13 at 2 p.m.

Liukin will join the Cal State Fullerton and UCLA women’s gymnastics teams in hosting the event to save the Titans’ gymnastics program.

Titan Head Coach Jill Hicks returned for her fourth season, proud of her team and their accomplishments.

“My girls are great. We’re staying positive, focused, and we don’t have down days,” she said.

Sitting at her desk, bursting with energy and Titan pride, Hicks explained why this meet-and-greet is so significant.

With the only two gymnastics teams in Southern California being CSUF and UCLA, they will combine their talent – making it two teams, one goal.

Their goal is to save their programs and end the domino effect, not only for themselves, but for their clubs so other gymnasts will have the opportunity to experience college gymnastics in Southern California in the near future.

With the CSUF gymnastics team only an affiliate of the Western Athletic Conference, they’re raising their own funds to keep their program open for the 2010-11 season.

This event will be filled with entertainment and excitement, as both Titans and Bruins will put on a show for their guests and get children involved.

“It’s going to be a great event,” said former CSUF gymnast Juliet Slusher.

Hicks and Bruins gymnastics Head Coach Valorie Kondos’ friendship has also been beneficial for the event because they are not only working to help the Titans, but they’re also working to help each other.

Hicks smiled as she recalled herself asking Kondos, “Do you think Nastia would come?” while anticipating the idea of what Liukin’s appearance would do for the fundraising event and their programs.

Liukin will be hosting the event and enjoying a $500 catered RSVP luncheon with the first 40 people who arrive at the event before the preview at noon.

Following the luncheon, the Titans and Bruins will hold a “Meet the Team” gathering, featuring exhibition routines and an autograph session.

“It’s very exciting that the Olympian will be there,” said Kori Underhill, senior gymnast.

Hicks said this year they have saved money by not buying a lot or flying anywhere. She told her girls that she’ll always be honest with them, but she only wants them to focus on school and gymnastics. She will focus on the funds.

“That’s my job,” she said, “and it’s important that the message about our program gets out at the event.”

The program has been receiving assistance from family and friends wanting to help and support, as well as colleagues.

“We did meet with President Milton Gordon and Vice President Robert Palmer, and they have been awesome and supportive of our event, and we are truly grateful,” Hicks said.

The cost to attend is only $10, and doors open at 1 p.m. It’s a first come-first serve basis; to reserve a spot at the luncheon, please contact Hicks at 657-278-7922.