July 24, 2008

By Matthew C. Worthington, Gymnastics Contact

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Head coach Tom Farden has announced that Jimmy Wickham has been named assistant gymnastics coach at Southeast Missouri State University, joining Farden and newly named assistant coach Kristi Ewasko. Wickham comes to Southeast after a spectacular gymnastics career with the Ohio State Buckeyes.

"I am really excited to be a part of the Redhawks gymnastics program," said Wickham. "The program has made great strides in the past few years under Tom's leadership and I hope to complement both Tom and Kristi in helping the team consistently challenge for conference titles and contention in the NCAA Regional and Championships.

The 2008 Ohio State graduate was a four-time All-American during school while earning three national laurels on vault (2006, '07, '08) and one on floor ('08). Wickham is only the second Buckeye to ever be named a three-time All-American on vault.

Wickham, a native of Gulfport, Miss., currently holds the Ohio State vault record with a score of 9.7 and was the 2006 U.S. National Champion on vault after tallying a 32.450, earning an outright spot on U.S. Men's Senior National Team at Winter Cup Challenge. Wickham finished seventh on vault with a 15.212 at World Cup in Ghent, Belgium.

"I am really looking forward to coach Wickham's coaching contributions and the energy he brings to our program," said Farden.

The Southeast Missouri State athletics staff and administration would like to welcome Jimmy to the University.