WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — William & Mary Director of Gymnastics Mike Powell has announced five newcomers to the men’s program for the 2022-23 academic year. The talented incoming class features four freshmen – Mark Fu, Trenton Peazant, Ricky Pizem, and Evan Sikra – and a graduate transfer from the University of Minnesota – Garrett Kasiski.
“We are very excited to welcome this incoming class to the Tribe!,” Powell said. “This group includes state, regional, and national champions, Elite Team members, and a former Big10 gymnast. They are a talented group in the gym, of course, but they are also great students who will bring a variety of experiences to campus and the community. Mark, Trenton, Ricky, Evan, and Garrett will be a great addition to the team and to William & Mary!”
The following is a brief look at the Tribe’s 2022-23 incoming class:
Mark Fu
Minnetonka, Minn. (Minnetonka High School)
Minihops
Prep:
- Competed for Minihops Gymnastics
- Four-time state champion in all-around
- Won all-around regional titles in 2019 and 2022
- Placed second in 2021 and third in 2018
- At the 2022 National Developmental Elite Championship, he placed fourth in all-around, second on vault and third on high bar
- Honor A Roll all four years
- Principal violist in the school orchestra
Personal:
- Son of Steven and Helen Fu
- Cousin, Addison Chung, competed on the University of Iowa men’s gymnastics team
- Enjoys playing video games, watching Japanese anime, and hanging out with friends.
Garrett Kasiski
Chesapeake, Va. (Indian River High School)
Gymstrada / University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota (2018-22):
- Four-year letter winner as a member of the floor, rings, and vault lineups
- Academic All-Big Ten selection in 2021
- Competed at the NCAA Championships in 2021
- Earned the Big Ten Distinguished Scholar Award in 2020
- Honored as the Big Ten and CGA Freshman of the Week on March 19, 2019, after earning a 14.9 on vault against Air Force
- Helped Minnesota win the regular-season conference title in 2019
- Earned the Cooke Hall Award in 2019
Prep:
- Competed for Gymstrada
- JO National Qualifier from 2015-17
- Placed second on floor, fifth on rings, sixth on vault, fifth on high bar, and third in all-around in 2017
- Most Valuable Level 10 Gymnast in 2016-17
- USA Gymnastics Academic All-America selection three consecutive years
- Member of the National Honor Society
- Served as the IRHS SCA treasurer
Personal:
- Son of Jack and BJ Kasiski
- Brother, Andrew, played baseball collegiately at Hampden-Sydney (2016-20)
- Other brother, Johnny, played baseball at Virginia Wesleyan (2000-04)
- Enjoys music, concerts, movies, and beach trips with friends.
Trenton Peazant
Fairfax Station, Va. (South County High School)
Apollo
Prep:
- Competed for Apollo Gymnastics
- 2019 JO National vault champion
- 2021 JE National bronze medalist on floor.
Personal:
- Son of George and La Vivian Peasant
- Enjoys learning about cars and computers.
Ricky Pizem
Brecksville, Ohio (Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School)
Gymnastics World
Prep:
- Competed for Gymnastics World
- Three-time JO National Qualifier (2018, 2019, 2022)
- JE National Qualifier in 2021
- Region 5 Elite Team member in 2021
- Two-time state champion in all-around (2021, 2022)
- Member of the National Honor Society
- Student council representative
- Earned honor roll distinction
Personal:
- Son of Rick and Denise Pizem
- Enjoys photography, hiking, camping, and listening to music.
Evan Sikra
Centreville, Va. (Chantilly High School)
Apollo
Prep:
- Competed for Apollo Gymnastics
- Placed 18th in all-around at the 2022 JO Nationals in the 18-year-old age group
- Finished ninth on rings and floor, at 10th on high bar, at the national event
- Placed eighth on floor at the 2021 JO Nationals in the 17-year-old age group
- Earned Academic All-America distinction all four years of high school
- Honor Roll
Personal:
- Son of Jim and Lori Sikra
- Father competed in gymnastics at the United States Air Force Academy
- Youth group member at his church
- Enjoys looking at the stock market, going on bike rides and playing video games.