"We feel that this signing class will be instrumental in the future of the Sooner Gymnastics Program," said Kindler. "Megan, Natasha and Sara bring with them numerous accolades including many National titles both in the Elite arena and at the Junior Olympic level. All three of these women have displayed an absolute desire to be Sooners and we salute their enthusiasm for the University and our program."
Ferguson, a Level 10 from Blue Valley High School in Olathe, Kan., trains at Eagles Gymnastics, the former club of current OU gymnast Jacqueline Flanery. Ferguson was two-time Junior Olympic Nationals beam champion and five-time J.O. Nationals qualifier. She has dominated state competition, winning the level 10 all-around title in 2005, '06 and '07 while sweeping every individual event honor all three seasons as well.
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Ferguson, who trains under Kim Fuchs and Johnnie Richburg, enters Oklahoma having earned honor roll status and National Honor Society membership every year of her prep career. Megan is the daughter of James and Mary Ferguson.
"As a two time Junior Olympic National Beam Champion, Megan displays the ability to handle tremendous pressure in competition," said Kindler. "She is an overachiever in the classroom as well. Her upbeat personality will be a great asset to the team."
Kelley enters the OU program as a four-time U.S. National Team member. The senior elite gymnast from Katy, Texas, has found success on both the international and national stage, finishing second in the all-around of the 2006 Visa Championships, after capturing the all-around title a year prior in the junior division of the Visa Championships. In her '06 Visa Championships runner-up finish, Kelley finished second on the uneven bars and beam, and fourth on the floor exercise.
Kelley shared all-around honors at the 2006 U.S. Classic, placing first on the uneven bars, second on vault and fourth on beam and floor. At the 2007 Visa Championships, Kelley finished 10th in the all-around after placing sixth on the beam and ninth on the uneven bars.
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"After visiting Oklahoma, I knew it was the place for me," said Kelley. "Their educational staff was really informative and had a lot to offer. I enjoyed watching the team workout and the team atmosphere was so exciting to see."
A 4.0 student training under Terri and Tamara Walker at Cypress Academy, Kelley will graduate from the Abeka Academy in Pensacola, Fla., in May. She is the daughter of Troy and Peggy Kelley.
"Natasha's resume is more than impressive," Kindler added. "World Championship Team member and silver medalist, USA Junior National Champion, Olympic hopeful and the list continues on and on. When she visited the University it was obvious that she was a perfect fit."
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"I can't wait to become a part of the OU gymnastics team next year," said Stone. "OU was my number-one choice from the beginning of the year because of the excellent coaching staff and high level of gymnastics."
A National Honor Society member, Stone is the daughter of Karen and Randy Stone.
"Sara knew 110% that Oklahoma was the place for her," said Kindler. "She has extensive experience both as an Elite and a Level 10. In addition, her loyalty is obvious as she has spent her entire career at one club program."
Oklahoma opens the 2008 season at the Cancun Classic in Cancun, Mexico on Jan. 4.