Michigan Inks Four Recruits During Early Signing Period
11/23/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Gymnastics
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan men's gymnastics coach Kurt Golder announced today (Tuesday, Nov. 23) the signing of Joe Catrambone (Deptford, N.J./Gloucester Catholic HS), Ryan McCarthy (Zionsville, Ind./Zionsville Community HS), Ralph Rosso (Morganville, N.J./St. John Vianney HS) and Jamie Thompson (Watkinsville, Ga./Oconee County HS) to National Letters of Intent for the 2005-06 academic year.
"We hit a home run with this year's recruiting class," said Golder. "We are certainly bringing in one of the top recruiting classes in the country."
Rosso placed eighth all-around at the 2004 USA National Championships (Junior Division), notching runner-up finishes on floor exercise, still rings and parallel bars. He is also the current Junior National champion on the floor exercise. "Ralph is an exceptionally strong gymnast and brings a very high level of difficulty to our program," Golder commented.
Catrambone is coming off an 11th-place all-around finish at the 2004 Junior National Championships, where he captured the Junior National title on high bar and placed fourth on the vault. At the 2004 USA National Championships (Junior Division) he placed 19th in the all-around and 10th on the parallel bars. "Joe is a very well-balanced athlete and is one of the most aesthetic junior gymnasts in the country," said Golder.
Thompson placed 121st at the 2004 Junior National Championships, is a consistent all-around competitor and excels on the floor. "Jamie has a great look to his gymnastics and will continue to develop here at Michigan," Golder remarked.
McCarthy is also a solid all-around gymnast, but due to injury did not compete much of last year. "Ryan is a very good pommel horse worker and we look forward to his return to top form," said Golder.
Michigan's annual intrasquad competition will take place on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m. in Cliff Keen Arena. The team opens its regular season on Saturday, Jan. 8, in Chicago at the Windy City Invite.
Contact: Justin Toman (734) 936-8256
