STANFORD, Calif. - The Cardinal signed four impressive prospects this month with Ian Gunther, Brody Malone, Matthew Szot and Blake Wilson set to join the program in the 2018-19 year, as announced by head coach Thom Glielmi.
On the class, Glielmi stated, "This is a very solid class and one that will strengthen the program. What is most impressive about this class is their respect for the sport and their willingness to work".
"Ian Gunther is a big signing," commented Glielmi, "He is one of the top juniors and his pommel horse is already competitive with the senior men. Ian is also a solid all-arounder and I anticipate he will break into our parallel bar and horizontal bar line-up. He is still developing physically and all indications are he will be a solid ringman."
"Brody Malone, in our book, is the top all-arounder of his class." continued Glielmi, "He is a tenacious competitor and makes an immediate impact on the team's potential. If his difficulty continues to improve, he will immediately transition to the senior ranks."
"Matthew Szot is the one that will surprise the most," said Glielmi, "For a coach, he has the intangibles that bode well for success. Through focused hard work, he continues to get better and better. He has the mindset for pommel horse and rings – which is a very odd combination to see, but that combination is what will help the program continue to improve."
"I think Wilson was under the radar for many, however as a former Junior National Team member we see a tremendous upside," added Glielmi, "He was hampered by injuries last year, but is once again healthy and looking to make his mark on the national scene and is definitely one to watch. He looks effortless when he competes."
The Cardinal will host its first home meet on January 27, 2018 with the Stanford Open which it will follow up with the Pac-12 Challenge on February 10, both in Burnham Pavilion.
