Gared Chapman

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Class: Freshman Hometown: Americus, Ga. High School: Winter Park (Florida)

Height: 5-9 Event: AA

WHY USAFA?: "I chose the Air Force Academy because it is an opportunity to help the country and community. It is a high-caliber education, with prestige. I know it will build character and also offer me the opportunity to continue gymnastics."

HIGH SCHOOL/CLUB: Winter Park High School...AP Scholar...served as president of the Interact Club...IB Diploma candidate...member of the National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Social Studies Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society...competed at the club level for Ace Gymnastics (coached by John Hallett, Mike Turner and Greg Weller) and Orlando Metro Gymnastics (coached by Casimiro Suarez)...five-time national qualifier (2007-11)...three-time Florida state team member...three-time Region 8 team member...member of the 2010 Region 8 team that won the national championship...2008 state champion on the parallel bars...2009 state champion on the floor exercise and vault...2009 Region 8 champion on the high bar...received first-team Academic All-American honors for three straight years.

PERSONAL: Full name is Gared Ryan Chapman...son of Eddie and Christine Chapman...has one younger half-sister, Ann, and one younger half-brother, Will...considers electrical engineering or physics as possible majors...spent eight years playing in a school orchestra...enjoys writing and playing music...comes from a family with a strong military history...has one uncle, Brook "Holly" Rollins, who is currently serving in the Air Force Reserves...favorite events are the still rings, because "I feel in control and secure", and the high bar, because "it's a lot of fun to fly through the air"...member of Cadet Squadron 04.