Falcon Gymnastics Add Four During Early Signing Period
November 16, 2009 | General, Gymnastics
BOWING GREEN, Ohio – Bowling Green gymnastic head coach Kerrie Beach announced the signing of four athletes during the early signing period. Jamie Applefield and Gabriela Swanson of Florida, Megan Harrington of Illinois, and Lacey Swords of Ohio have signed their National Letters of Intent to begin the season with the Falcons in 2010.
“I am thrilled to have four exceptional gymnasts joining our program next fall,” stated Beach. “Each athlete brings unique talents to our program.”
“Jaime Applefield is a powerful gymnast and will show this especially on vaulting,” Beach stated. Jamie Applefield attended Seminole High School (FL) and LaFleur's Gymnastic Club of Largo with coaches, David and Laura Parraga. Applefield’s accolades include third year level 10, 2008 Region 8, level 10 regional qualifier and 2006 Level 9 Florida state vault champion.
“Megan Harrington has a beautiful style to her gymnastics, especially in her floor work,” said Beach. Harrington attended Normal Community High School (IL) and was a part of Gymnastics, Etc Gymnastics Club coached by Teresa Millmore. She placed eighth in the all-around and fourth on floor exercise at the 2009 Region 5, Level 10 Regionals. Harrington also ttook home third in the all-around at the 2009 National Invitational Tournament.
“Gabriela Swanson is an excellent bar swinger, among her talents on the other events. Gabriela Swanson attended Pompano Beach High School (FL) and American Twisters Gymnastics Club and was coached by Gary Anderson. Swanson was a three-time Regional qualifier (region 8), 2006 Regional all-around Champion (region 8), and 2009 Region 8 L10 Regionals. She also placed 13th (t) all-around and fifth on vault in the Senior B division.
“Lacey Swords has dynamic vaulting and tumbling,” said Beach. Lacey Swords graduated from Olentangy High School (OH) and trained at Integrity Gymnastics Club and was coached by Natalia Lashenova. She placed first in all-around at the US Coaches Cup, Arnold Classic (Qualified to finals), trained Elite (2003-05), and a two time National T.O.P.S. National Qualifier. Swords also started gymnastics at age 4, currently a fifth year level 10 and attended National Team Training Camp at the Karolyi Ranch.
“All four athletes have all-around potential. In addition, this group of athletes will also excel in the classroom and they will be excellent representatives of our program and the university,” Beach stated. “This recruiting class will make a major impact in the success of our program.”