November 30, 2005
NORMAL, Ill. -
Head gymnastics coach Bob Conkling has been hard at work since his arrival in August, including recruiting for the 2007 season. Andrea Orris from Plano, Texas, and Jessica Prousa from Naperville, Ill., have signed their National Letters of Intent to compete for Illinois State.
Orris shares a hometown and gym with current Illinois State junior gymnasts Anne and Tove Fjordholm. The trio from Plano and World Olympic Gymnastics Academy will compete together at Illinois State for one year at the collegiate level.
Orris has been competing in gymnastics for the past nine years and has two national qualifications at Level 10 (2003 and 2004) under her belt. She has competed under the instruction of former Soviet Union Olympic gold medalist, Valeri Liukin. Orris also comes from the same gym as current Olympic all-around gold medalist, Carly Patterson. Currently undecided about a major, Orris will possibly pursue fashion design or athletic training.
Orris comes to Illinois State highly recommended by Liukin.
"She is very graceful," said Liukin. "Andrea is a mature gymnast that is self-motivated and determined to succeed in school and in the gym."
Prousa, the second signed athlete, has been competing in gymnastics for ten years. During that time, she has qualified for state, regional and national championships. She is currently working with coach Keith Carter at Naperville Gymnastics. In 2003 Prousa placed seventh at the regional meet and 17th at the Junior Olympic Level 10 Nationals. In 2004, she placed 13th at the regional meet and was fifth at the state competition. Prousa hopes to be an education major in the fall.
"Jess has a natural talent and is a very unique individual," said Carter. "I have coached her over ten years and in that time she has matured not only as a gymnast but also as a leader. She will be an exceptional asset to the Illinois State gymnastics team."
Conkling looks forward to working with his new arrivals next season.
"From what I have seen, both girls will be wonderful additions to our team," said Conkling. "Jessica is a solid, clean competitor; and Andrea has worked under the best and I have high hopes that she will be a star here. I look forward to working with these two athletes next season."
