STANFORD, Calif. - The Cardinal signed three impressive prospects with Andrew Bitner, Blake Sun and Bryan Perla set to join the program in the 2017-18 year.
Head Coach Thom Glielmi commented, "This class is packed with talent and we are very fortunate to come away with three top tier prospects. The USA coaches for the junior gymnasts are doing a phenomenal job in preparing our young talent to transition into the collegiate and senior ranks."
Bryan Perla (West Boylston, Mass. – Winchendon School) is the 2016 U.S. Junior Olympics national horizontal bar champion. He also finished 10th on vault.
On Perla Glielmi stated, "Bryan is a very athletic gymnast, and he is one the crowds will want to watch. His athleticism and aggressive approach to training combined with his kinesthetic awareness results in dynamic gymnastics. For Stanford, we see him seamlessly transitioning to the senior level on floor exercise, vault and horizontal bar."
Andrew Bitner (Buford Ga., - Mill Creek High School) is U.S. Junior National Team member who recently competed at the Pan American Games in Bolivia, where he was crowned the still rings champion, garnered the silver medal on pommel horse and took the bronze medal in the all-around.
"Andrew is a tremendous add to the team," added Glielmi, "He is a complete all-around gymnast and does not have a weak event. Andrew's refinement on pommel horse and parallel bars certainly makes him stand out, as does his fluid style on all events. Andrew's progress in the last two years has been meteoric, and it would not surprise me if he received a spot on the Senior National Team this year. What makes us so eager to have Andrew at Stanford is his attitude and enthusiasm for gymnastics and learning. "
Blake Sun (San Antonio, Texas – Johnson High School) finished sixth on floor exercise and second on parallel bars at the 2016 USA Junior Olympic Championships.
"We are elated Blake will be joining the Stanford family," commented Glielmi, "He has a cache of skills on every event. His repertoire of difficult elements is quite extensive and we only see his consistency and execution getting better. This bodes well for his future and transition into the senior ranks. His easy demeanor masks his relentless drive to better himself in both the gym and classroom. He will bring more than scores to the team, which makes him a perfect fit for Stanford."
The Cardinal opens its 2017 season on January 15 against Cal in Berkeley, Calif.