Nov. 12, 2008
By Matthew C. Worthington, Gymnastics Contact
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - The Southeast Missouri State University Gymnastics Program announced the signing of three top recruits; Margaret O'Neal, Taylor Westrick, and Jordan Salsberg, for the 2010 gymnastics season.
Margaret O'Neal is a native of Highlands Ranch, Colo., where she trains at Champion Gymnastics under the tutelage of Aaron Giago. At the 2008 Region III L10 Regionals, she placed 12th in the All-Around and second on the floor exercise in the Senior C group. O'Neal carries a 3.95 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. Her parents are Steve and Rebecca O'Neal and her mother is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University.
O'Neal commented, "I love that the focus of the program is not only on gymnastics but on academics and giving back to the community. I had an instant connection with the coaches and the girls, and it feels like the right place for me to be."
"Margaret is an aggressive gymnast who will add depth and explosiveness to vault, bars and floor," said head coach Tom Farden. "I think it is really neat that she her mother is a S.E. alumni, as well".
Taylor Westrick is from Waterford, Wis., and she competes at Salto's Gymnastics by internationally recognized coach, Dr. James Chudy. Westrick, daughter of Jeff and Doreen Westrick, maintains a 3.85 GPA. She is a six time L10 Wisconsin State Champion, a L10 Regional Champion on bars and has collected two top 10 national finishes on the balance beam.
"I chose Southeast because of the school environment, the gymnastics team, coaching staff, and the emphasis on academics," said Westrick.
Coach Farden stated that, "Taylor has the polished and personal flair that will please judges and fans alike. We are looking forward to her working into our rotation on bars, beam and floor."
Jordan Salsberg is from Gulf Port, Miss., and is the daughter of Kerry and Lisa Cuevas. She is the reigning balance beam National Champion and won the All-Around title at the prestigious Atlanta Crown 2008 and is a two time L10 national qualifier. Salsberg currently has a 3.6 GPA and competes at Laniers Gymnastics under coaches Cindy Wallace and Meredith White.
"I chose to compete at Southeast because of the hard working gymnastics team, both in the gym and in the classroom, small class size, great coaching staff, and it just feels like one big family," said Salsberg.
"Jordan is an incredibly talented gymnast and a proven national champion," said coach Farden. "She has the ability to make immediate impacts on all four events."
Farden commented, "I am extremely pleased with our recruiting class. All three of these students have exceptional family backgrounds, great gymnastics talent and intellectual horsepower to keep our program on its current path. I am excited to see each of them as future Redhawks."
