Men's Gymnastics Signs Four

Nov. 13, 2008

NORMAN, Okla. -- University of Oklahoma men's gymnastics head coach Mark Williams announced the signing of four of the nation's top junior gymnasts to National Letters of Intent on Thursday. Jacob Dalton, Chris Stehl, and Anthony and Alexander Naddour will join the Sooners for the 2010 season.

“This could be one of the better groups that we have had in a couple of years,” said Williams. “I think that says a lot when you consider the talent we have recruited here in past years and the accolades they collected during their Sooner careers.”

Three of the four signees in the class have been members of the USA Junior National Team.

A native of Sparks, Nev., Dalton is a member of the USA Junior National Team and is coached by Andrew Pileggi, at Nevada Gymnastics. In 2008, he competed at the Visa Championships where he finished first on vault and third in the all-around in the junior division (ages 16-18). Dalton also competed in the Men's Junior Olympic National Championships in 2008, where he placed second on the floor exercise and in the all-around. He also competed in the 2008 Winter Cup in Las Vegas, Nev. and the 2007 Visa Championships.

“I think that Jake is built in the same mold as Jonathan Horton,” added Williams. “He is very strong, especially on rings, and we look to have him make a significant impact when he comes in.”

Alexander Naddour is a member of the USA Junior National Team who competed at the 2008 Visa Championships and finished third on the parallel bars and fifth in the all-around. He also competed in the 2008 Men's Junior Olympic National Championships and placed second on pommel horse, third on vault, fifth on parallel bars and fourth in the all-around. The Mesa, Ariz., native is coached by Mike Naddour at Arizona Flairs.

“Jake and Alex were both Junior National Team members and they should provide a solid one-two tandem to our lineup, similar to what we had with Jonathan (Horton) and Taqiy (Abdullah Simmons),” said Williams.

Stehl is coached by Tom Meadows at Cypress Academy of Gymnastics the same program as current OU gymnast Ben Mayer. The Richmond, Texas, native was a member of the Junior Olympic National Team for the 2005-06 season. Stehl finished seventh in the all-around at the 2008 Visa Championships in the junior division and also posted top-10 finishes on the pommel horse, still rings and parallel bars.

Anthony Naddour, the brother of Alexander, is a transfer from Chandler-Gilbert Community College. In 2008, Naddour helped Arizona State's club team win the Collegiate National Title while he placed second in the all-around as a sophomore. Naddour also finished third on the pommel horse and sixth on the still rings en route to receiving three All-America accolades for each of his top six performances.

“Chris and Anthony have solid gymnastics' backgrounds,” added Williams. “Chris competed with the Junior Olympic National Team and Anthony was successful at Arizona State, so we expect both to step in next season and contribute right away.”

Oklahoma opens the 2009 season Jan. 10 at the Rocky Mountain Open in Colorado Springs, Colo.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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