Monday, November 11, 2024

W&M Men’s Gymnastics Announce Newcomers for 2022-23

(Courtesy of William & Mary Tribe Athletics)

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.   

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