Nov. 10, 2006

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State gymnastics head coach Kathie Klages announced Thursday that two gymnasts have signed National Letters of Intent to attend Michigan State next fall. Nicole Argiros (Livonia, Mich./Stevenson High School/Michigan Academy of Gymnastics) and Kathryn Mahoney (Western Spring, Ill./Lyons Township High School/Illinois Gymnastics Institute) will don the Green and White beginning in the fall of 2007.

"We are thrilled with our class for the fall of 2007," Klages said. "These two young ladies bring a wealth of competitive experience to the gym and both have qualified for the Junior Olympic National Championships twice in their club careers. Both of these gymnasts bring high academic accomplishments to our program. Their addition will strengthen our academic, athletic, and competitive spirit as we strive to reach our team's Big Ten, regional, and national goals."

Below is information on each signee.

Nicole Argiros - Trains at the Michigan Academy of Gymnastics under coach Douglas Rowe... Level 10 National competitior... Member of the 2003 Greek National Team... 2005 Region V vault champion... Junior Olympic National Qualifier 2005-06... Competed at the 2006 National meet, finishing seventh on vault, 12th on floor, and posted a top-25 all-around finish.

Klages on Argiros...
"Nicole Argiros was a 2003 Greek National Team Member and may qualify for the 2008 Greek Olympic Team. Nicole is a strong all around gymnast who especially excels on the vault and floor exercise events. With her international experience she should provide a unique quality for our program. She is a very strong, athletic, and well-rounded gymnast. We expect her to make an immediate impact on the team."

Kathryn Mahoney - Trains at the Illinois Gymnastics Institute under coaches Todd Gardiner and Kurt Aichele... 2003 Level 9 National All-Around Champion, also placed first on vault... Junior Olympic National Qualifier 2004-05... Finished third in the all-around at the 2005 Region V Regionals.

Klages on Mahoney...
"Kathryn Mahoney is a beautiful gymnast with incredible lines and artistic quality. She makes gymnastics look effortless, which is appealing to the judges as well as the fans. We expect Kathryn to contend for an all-around position here at MSU. Her strengths include the balance beam and floor exercise events."