Air Force Academy

Jan. 8, 2008

Backed by a strong contingent of returning athletes and a fresh infusion of incoming talent, the Air Force men's gymnastics team looks to have another break-through season in 2008. Head coach Kip Simons added seven impressive freshmen to a roster which already boasted several talented veterans.

THE RETURNERS

Air Force returns eight gymnasts to the lineup, including four NCAA participants, one USAG national champion and six USAG All-Americans.

With one of the largest senior classes in recent memory, Air Force should receive strong leadership from all four of its fourth-year gymnasts. For the second consecutive year, Brian Boardman (Naperville, Ill.), a 2007 USAG All-American and NCAA participant, will serve as the team captain, sharing the duty with classmate Kevin Murphy (The Woodlands, Texas).

In addition, the Falcons return seniors Tyler Sickles (Burke, Va.) and Greg Stine (Houston, Texas) to the rotation. Last year, Sickles was one of the Falcons' USAG All-America selections and NCAA participants, while Stine, another NCAA participant, set an Academy record collecting three USAG national titles in a single meet.

The junior class is paced by Jacob Schonig (Los Gatos, Calif.), a 2007 NCAA participant and USAG All-American on the still rings. A high-scoring fixture in the still rings line-up, Schonig will also take on the vault this season. Classmate Josiah Loeser (Alvin, Texas), last year's "Most Improved" award recipient, will also be looked upon to provide depth to the roster.

USAG All-American Brennan Wolford (Thornville, Ohio) guides an impressive sophomore class. He and classmate Garrett Canter (Tallahassee, Fla.) made great strides during their initial campaigns in 2007.

"We should have strong leadership from all four seniors," Simons previewed. "Greg is healthy and will once again lead the team in the gym. Plus, I expect to see solid performances from our sophomores and juniors to fill in the talented lineup."

THE FRESHMEN

"I expect our freshmen to have an immediate impact on our program," Simons commented. "This class is filled with talent."

That statement can be backed by the credentials that each gymnast brings to the program. In all, the class has combined for 13 appearances at the Junior Olympics National Qualifier, while amassing six USAG Academic All-America selections.

Daniel Klimkowski (China, Mich.) was a six-time participant at the Junior Olympics. In addition to finishing first in the all-around at the state championships, Klimkowski was a semifinalist on the still rings at the 2007 Junior Olympics. Fellow newcomer Aaron Zaiser (Pittsburg, Pa.), a three-time competitor at the Junior Olympics, picked up a third-place finish on the still rings at the regional championships.

Nash Mills (Coto de Caza, Calif.) was a four-time Academic All-American, as well as a four-time participant at the Junior Olympics. Matthew Thorne (Poway, Calif.), another Junior Olympic competitor, was a three-time Academic All-America selection. Kipp Druecke (Brookfield, Wis.), William Eastman (Augusta, Ga.) and Derek Kvedar (Boston, Mass.) round out the Falcons' incoming group of freshman.

"They are a typical class here at the Academy," Simons continued. "They are community leaders with strong character and academic excellence."

THE COACHES

 Like its roster, the coaching staff has also has a slightly new appearance.

In addition to its returning Olympians in Simons and assistant coach Brett McClure, the Falcons add Capt Levi Torkelson to the bench as an assistant coach. Torkelson, a 2001 Academy graduate, was a two-time USAG national champion on the parallel bars, while earning nine USAG All-America selections.

THE SCHEDULE

Once again, the Falcons' schedule is filled with some of the nation's top-ranked teams. Opponents from within the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation are continually ranked among the country's elite. Air Force will also face fellow service academy rivals, Army and Navy at the annual All-Academy Championships.

"We look to be competitive within our conference and the NCAA," Simons said. "We also look to have a presence at the NCAA Championships."

THE FINAL WORD

With a strong corps of returning gymnasts and a large talented incoming class, the Air Force men's gymnastics team is preparing for another exciting season.