Falcons Welcome Seven Newcomers to Program
8/12/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Gymnastics
Aug. 12, 2008
USAF ACADEMY, Colo. - The Air Force men's gymnastics team welcomed seven newcomers to the program for the upcoming 2009 season, head coach Kip Simons recently announced. The Class of 2012, who began Academy classes last week after completing a month of Basic Cadet Training, enters the program with valuable experience at the Junior Olympic level.
"This is the most talented freshmen class of my coaching career," Simons said. "They will help make this one of the deepest Air Force men's gymnastics squads in years."
The youngest class of Air Force gymnasts brings a strong background to an already impressive roster. Jacob Houder (Pinehurst, Texas) finished 14th in the junior division at the 2007 Visa Championships, while Kyle Mefford (Modesto, Calif.) won the high bar at the Region 1 Championships during the 2005-06 season.
Classmate Devin Menefee (Houston, Texas) was a five-year competitor at the Junior Olympic national championships and a four-year Academic All-American. Fellow freshman Travis Myers (Woodland Park, Colo.) also competed at the Junior Olympic national championships. Chase Nobles (Knoxville, Tenn.) and Joel Uptmor (Lebanon, Ohio) round out the Falcons' newest class.
In addition, the Falcons will add Jared Tomaszewski (Hoffman Estates, Ill.) to their roster. The former high school gymnast will assist the program as a team manager.
"Brett (assistant coach Brett McClure) and I are optimistic about the potential of this team," Simons continued. "I believe that this season could end with a berth to the NCAA regionals."
Air Force began pre-season conditioning yesterday (Aug. 11) and open the 2009 competitive campaign in early January with the annual Rocky Mountain Open.
Players Mentioned
