Biggin adds two Michigan preps along with Florida standout

KENT, Ohio – Kent State University gymnastics coach Brice Biggin announced today the addition of three student-athletes for the 2012-13 competition season.

Jaymi Baxter (New Port Richey, Fla.), Nicolle Eastman (Burton, Mich.) and Anna Genrich (Canton, Mich.) all signed National Letters of Intent for Kent State during the fall signing period.

Baxter has been competing at Level 10 since the start of 2009, where she has posted 14 first-place finishes in local, state and regional events. At the 2011 Pikes Peak Cup, Baxter won the Senior Division all-around, aided by a first-place finish in the vault. In the 2011 season, Baxter had four consecutive all-around titles. Baxter has been a five-time regional qualifier and advanced to nationals three times.

"We are very excited about the addition of Jaymi to our gymnastics program," said Biggin. "Jaymi is a very steady performer that brings great talent on all four events. She is a great student athlete that will really fit into our program well."

Eastman concluded her 2011 season last spring at the U.S. Women's Junior Olympic National Championships, where she tied for seventh in the floor exercise and 19^th in the all-around. Eastman advanced to the national championship after taking first place in the all-around at the Region 5 Championships, thanks to finishing in the top four in the vault, beam and floor. She is a member of the Region 5 All-Star Team, which will compete in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in November.

"Nicolle is a very dynamic performer that will bring a lot of talent into our program," said Biggin. "Nicole will have a great impact on vault, beam and floor and is steadily improving on bars.  We see her getting better and better and are really excited about what she is currently working on."

Genrich, who was a 2010 J.O. National qualifier in her first season as a Level 10 gymnast, twice advanced to nationals as a Level 9 competitor. Last season, Genrich placed fourth at the Michigan State Championships in the all-around while tying for fourth on the beam. In 2010, Genrich took second place in the all-around at the Region 5 Championships.

"Anna will be another great addition to our women's gymnastics program," said Biggin. "Anna brings really good talent on bars, beam and floor and is working hard to upgrade her vault.  We are looking for Anna to come in and make some great contributions to the team."

Academically, all three student-athletes have carried a 3.97 grade-point average or higher throughout their high school careers.

Kent State will prepare for the 2012 campaign with their Blue & Gold intrasquad meet Friday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. at the MAC Center.