Joel Uptmor

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Class: Senior Hometown: Lebanon, Ohio High School: Lebanon

Height: 5-10 Event: AA

WHY USAFA?: "I chose the Air Force Academy for the many outstanding opportunities that I will encounter post-graduation, including the opportunity to fly some of the world's most advanced aircraft. Also, paying for college these days is near impossible. So the prospect of a full-ride scholarship at such a prestigious school was very attractive as well. Last, but not least, being able to do gymnastics for another four years was a bonus."

FRESHMAN (2009): Competed in every team competition, as well as the event finals of the USAG Championships...USAG All-American on the floor exercise...posted a career-best, Academy record score of 15.550 in second collegiate meet to win the vault at the Navy Open...improved that score to 15.600 at the All-Academy Championships...also won the vault against Army with a score of 15.500...picked up a first-place finish on the floor exercise at Illinois-Chicago with a career-best matching score of 14.300...also tallied that score against Army and at the Pacific Coast Classic...placed fifth on the floor at the USAG Championships to claim first USAG All-America certificate...tallied career-best scores on the still rings (13.900) and high bar (14.000) at the Southwest Cup...earned the athletic department's Athlete of the Week award on Jan. 26 after setting the vault record.

HIGH SCHOOL/CLUB: Lebanon High School...varsity letterwinner in track and field...two-time Academic All-American...recorded a GPA of above 3.50 all four years...competed at the club level for Queen City Gymnastics...coached by Keith Pettit and Norm Stultz...three-time qualifier to the USAG national championships...finished 32nd in the all-around at the national meet in 2006.

PERSONAL: Full name is Joel Robert Uptmor...son of Eric and Tami Uptmor...has two older brothers, Josh (32) and Justin (25)...also has one younger sister, Jami (17)...majoring in biochemistry...future plans include becoming a pilot and then an orthopedic surgeon...father served in the military...favorite event is the still rings...member of Cadet Squadron 13.