STANFORD, Calif. – Stanford men’s gymnastics head coach Thom Glielmi announced the signing of three elite standouts to a National Letter of Intent on Friday.
The three-member class represents three states with a California native, Joey Ringer (Coto de Caza), Illinois standout Bailey Perez (Glen Ellyn) and Ohio product Connor Lewis (Grove City) to make up the Cardinal’s prestigious group of signees.
“What I like most about this class is their prodigious work ethic” Glielmi said. “Both academically and athletically they have pushed themselves, and continue to reach for greatness. Their motivation to do something exceptional is a tremendous asset to an already driven team."
Lewis attends Grove City High School in Grove City, Ohio, where he has compiled a phenomenal career, as a seven time Ohio state All-Around Champion, four time Region 5 Team Member, two time Region 5 Champion as well as a P & G Gymnastics Championship Qualifier. In addition, Lewis has also been a two time U.S. National Team member. While elite in his athlete endeavors, Lewis has also been a three time Academic All-American and member of the National Honor Society.
On the signing, Lewis commented, “Stanford has always been my dream school and I am extremely excited to finally commit and continue my career with such an elite program.”
“Connor is definitely one to watch for,” said Glielmi, “as his difficulty continues to climb he’s going to be hard to keep out of a line-up. His execution and line are exceptional, especially for one so brawny. It would not surprise me if he is in our line-up on five events as a freshman.”
Perez attends Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, where he has amassed an impressive resume of accolades as a five time Junior Olympic National Qualifier, four time Region 5 Team Member as well as a USA Junior National Team member from 2012-13. A 2015 P&G USA National Championship Qualifier, Perez took fifth on vault and sixth on floor. Perez has also proven his caliber in academics as well as a two time USA Gymnastics First Team Academic All-American as well as being named to the Glenbard West High School Academic Honor Roll.
On his choice to attend Stanford, Perez stated, “I wanted to be a part of a great team at a great university and it cannot get any better than Stanford University!”
“We are elated with Bailey’s decision to join the team,“ Glielmi commented on Perez, “his athleticism bodes well for his transition to the collegiate ranks and we anticipate Bailey pushing our vaulting and floor line-up. He has been coached to reach an international level, and has a sound foundation. This has allowed him to make tremendous progress on all events. We anticipate Bailey continuing to impress as he moves into the senior ranks.”
California native, Joey Ringer rounds out the NLI signing class, and comes to Stanford after remarkable career at Tesoro High School. The standout won the 2015 Junior Olympic Championship on Pommel Horse, while sustaining an incredible academic standard as a three time First Team Academic All-American.
“Going to Stanford has always been a dream of mine,” remarked Ringer, “and I feel confident that I will be a valuable member for the men’s gymnastics team while getting the best education in the country. I am excited to represent Stanford next year and live the Cardinal experience.”
On the addition of Ringer, Glielmi added, “Joey will be coming to us as the Junior Olympic National Pommel Horse Champion, but he is also quite talented on parallel bars and horizontal bar. We know he will have an immediate impact on pommel horse, but we see only good things for Stanford as he returns to form on parallel bars and horizontal bar. “
The trio joins a Stanford program that earned its ninth top-three finish at the NCAA Championships in the past 10 years during the 2015 season. The Cardinal went 19-4, registering 17 wins over top-10 opponents, including four ranked in the top five. Five Cardinal gymnasts combined for 10 All-America honors and three of the eight NCAA titles were earned by Stanford.
