OU tops the Toester.com GymInfo Men's Preseason Coaches' Poll, edging out Illinois in 2nd place. Illinois, however, received more first place votes. Michigan received two first place votes, and Stanford three.
Oklahoma men's coach has announced the signing of four standouts for the 2011-2012 season: Dylan Akers, Jacoby Rubin, Danny Berardini, and William Clement. Said Coach Mark Williams, “This could be one of the better groups that we have had in a couple of years”.
Akers is a junior National Team member who trains at Cypress. He finished tied for 15th AA and 5th on PH in the Senior Men's division of the 2010 VISA Championships and was a member of the gold medal winning team at the Pan American Championships. Link: Video at Gymnastike.org
Rubin is another junior National Team member and trains at Buffalo Grove. He placed 2nd AA, 2nd on PH, 6th(t) on FX and 6th HB at the 2010 VISA Championships, in the junior men's 16-18 division. Link: FX at the 2010 Winter Cup Video
Berardini trains with Rubin at Buffalo Grove. He finished 23rd at the 2010 JO National and 11th AA, 4th on Rings and 5th HB at the 2009 VISA Championships. Link: YouTube.com Channel
Clement trains at the California Sports Center. He finished 27th AA at the 2010 JO Nationals and 15th AA at the VISA National Qualifier. Link: YouTube.com Channel
Link: OU Release
OU Head Coach KJ Kindler has announced a total of five gymnasts will be joining Oklahoma's women's squad. Four of the five commits were covered in prior news items. Said Coach Kindler in a release, "When it comes to drive, determination, talent and commitment they are certainly not short of those attributes. I am thrilled to call them Sooners."
Hayden Ward, a L10 from Dynamo, will be joining the team early, in time for the start of the season in January.
Erica Brewer is a L10 from Champion in Kentucky.
Rebecca Clark is a senior international elite who has been training at GAGE.
Madison Mooring is a L10 who now trains at Dynamo. According to our records, Mooring initially committed to Nebraska. An earlier commit, Caitlin Mann, did not appear in the release.
Haley Sorensen is a L10 from Cypress who has completed necessary paperwork to confirm her acceptance of admission.
Link: OU Release