NCAA Champs Add Transfer

NORMAN, Okla. OU head coach Mark Williams announced the addition of transfer Kyle Fernandez to the 2004 Oklahoma mens gymnastics team. Fernandez, formerly a member of the Penn State program, will enter the Sooner fold as a junior and will add to the Sooners depth on still rings.

"Were excited about what Kyle Fernandez will bring to our team," said Williams. "I think hell fit right in because he is exceptional on still rings, which is an event we have excelled on the last few years."

Fernandez was a member of the Nitany Lions squad that finished third at the 2003 NCAA Championships. He will primarily compete on the still rings but may also see time on a few other apparatuses. The junior hales from Stafford, Conn., stands at 5-2 and attended Bunnell High School.

Below is his bio from Penn State:

2002: A rings specialist, appeared in the rings lineup at every meet... In his first-collegiate competition, placed fifth on rings with an 8.950 at the West Point Open... In the event finals, topped his mark from the previous evening, recording a 9.100 for a second-place showing... Established a then-career high on rings in just his second performance (9.200) against UMass... Posted a career-high 9.350 at the Southwest Cup... Earned second place at six meets... 12th on rings on the first day of competition at the NCAA qualifiers, advancing to the preliminaries where he placed 25th overall... Recorded at least a 9.050 on seven occasions.

Background
Attended Bunnell High... Captain of the USA Gymnastics squad in Watertown, Conn... Competed in gymnastics since 1988, winning rings title at the Junior Elite Class I Region 6 Championships in 2001... Fourth on vault in that same year... Placed 31st of 251 gymnasts at the 2001 Junior Olympic National Championships... All-around Connecticut State Champion in 1998, also won the Region 6 all-around competition in 1999... Third in the all-around in the state championships in 2000... Also a member of the diving team in 1996 and 1997, track and field squad in 1997 and competed in karate from 1995-97... Honor student... Member of Student Council and Future Business Leaders on America.

Personal
Enrolled in the Division of Undergraduate Studies... Only child of Yvov and Angela Fernandez... Kyle Ryan Fernandez was born in Bridgeport, Conn., October 25, 1983.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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