Huskers Sign Five Gymnasts

The <?xml:namespace prefix="st1" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"?>Nebraska women’s gymnastics team signed five gymnasts, as Desir? Sniatynski, Emily Parsons, Vanessa Meloche, Brittney Williams and Linzi Fosburgh all inked National Letters-of-intent with Head Coach Dan Kendig for the 2004-05 season.  <?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>

 

“This group of signed athletes is very talented and will contribute immensely to our program,” Kendig said. “I cannot say enough good things about these athletes.  They make up one of the best recruiting classes ever at Nebraska.  I look forward to working with this group of high caliber student-athletes.”

 

Sniatynski, a level 10 gymnast from Kenosha, Wis., competes for Scamps Gymnastics, where she is coached by Randy Anderson.  She finished seventh in the all-around and second on the uneven bars at the 2002 Junior Olympic Nationals.

 

NU also received a commitment from Emily Parsons of St. Charles, Mo.  She competed as a level 10 gymnast for four years and trains at Gym Quarters Gymnastics, where she is coached by Scott and Debbie Cusimano.  A five-time national qualifier, she suffered a torn Achilles in 2003, but came back eight months later to win the all-around competition at the 2003 J.O. National Championships.  She also finished first on the floor exercise, second on vault and ninth on bars at the 2003 J.O. National Championships. 

 

“Desir? and Emily are two of the best J.O. competitors to come out of our region,” Kendig said.  They both have great skills and experienced backgrounds.”

 

Meloche is the third Canadian to join the Husker squad in the last four years.   This will be her eighth year competing as an Elite Level gymnast for Canada.  Meloche trains at Sport Seneca, where she is coached by Carol Angela Orchard.  Meloche finished third in the all-around at the 2002 Canadian Nationals.  She also finished third on vault and bars at the 2002 Commonwealth Games. 

 

“She is another great Canadian athlete joining our program, and we are very excited about what she will bring to our team,” Kendig said.  “She is a very talented and will be a tremendous addition to the Husker squad.”

 

Brittney Williams, a Level 10 gymnast, is a former teammate of current NU gymnast Stephanie Carter.  She trains at the Ricochets Gymnastics Team under Troy Miller.  Williams finished third in the all-around, first on floor, fourth on bars and fifth on vault at the 2001 Junior Olympic Nationals.

 

Also joining the 2004-05 recruiting class is Linzi Fosburgh, a Level 10 gymnast and former elite gymnast from Gilbert, Ariz.  She trains at Carter’s Gymnastics Academy and is coached by Jack and Erin Carter.  Fosburgh was a J.O. National Team member.

 

“Linzi and Brittney are a part of a great class of athletes who are very talented and have a lot of potential,” Kendig said.  “They will both bring great ability to all four events and along with Desire’, Emily, and Vanessa, the future of Nebraska gymnastics looks bright.”

 

The Huskers have made five straight NCAA Super Six Finals, while Kendig’s gymnasts have produced 64 All-America awards, including 2000 NCAA All-Around champion Heather Brink and 2003 NCAA All-Around champion Richelle Simpson.  Nebraska has won nine conference championships during Kendig’s 10 years at the helm of the Husker program.