Wolverines Sign Three for 2002-03 Freshman Class
12/1/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
Each of the recruits has won at least one Level 10 title at various USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic Nationals but will also bring other intangibles to help keep the Michigan program among the national championship contenders according to head coach Bev Plocki. "We are very excited about this group. Not only are they extremely talented athletes, but their personalities fit so well into the Michigan family. All three are very excited about attending Michigan, and as a coaching staff, it is really fun and exciting to help make their dreams come true."
Deiley was the 1999 Level 10 floor exercise and all-around national champion. She also finished second on the balance beam and third on the uneven bars in 1999. In 2000, she was second again on the balance beam and finished third on the uneven bars, floor exercise and all-around. She competed with a broken hand at the 2001 Level 10 national championships and finished second on the balance beam, tied for sixth in the all-around and seventh on the floor exercise. A member of the Twin City Twisters gymnastics club, she was a teammate of former Wolverine Bridget Knaeble (1998-2001) and student of current U-M assistant coach Scott Sherman, who was a coach at the club prior to his arrival at Michigan.
"Jennifer's strength is beauty and elegance," said Plocki. "Her specialty is the floor exercise because she is so beautiful and artistic."
Colon (pronounced "cologne"), a member of Infinity Gymnastics, won 2001 Level 10 titles on the balance beam and floor exercise and captured the all-around championship with a score of 38.175. She also finished tied for fourth on the uneven bars and tied for sixth on the vault. Her club coach is Tammy Marshall, sister of former Wolverine gymnast Wendy Marshall (1993-96).
"Rachel is going to be a great asset to our club," said Plocki. "She is a very powerful gymnast. She has big skills and is very explosive. Watching her will be very fun for our fans."
Clauson, a member of the TAGS South gymnastics club, was the 2000 Level 10 floor exercise champion and finished tied for second to Colon in 2001 on the floor exercise. She also tied for sixth on the balance beam and tied for ninth on the vault and in the all-around in 2001.
"Becca is a mix of the other two," said Plocki. "She is very elegant and also has big skills. She is very strong in three events -- vault, balance beam and floor exercise. She is also extremely excited about coming to Michigan, and that is part of why we are so excited for her to be here."
The annual intrasquad meet for women's gymnastics is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 16, at Cliff Keen Arena. The team opens the 2002 season at the Maui Classic on Jan. 4 before returning home to Cliff Keen Arena for a meet against Northern Illinois at 2 p.m. on Jan. 13.
Contact: Jason Gerdom (734) 763-4423
Players Mentioned
