Nov. 17, 2011

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Rustam Sharipov, head coach of the Ohio State men’s gymnastics team, has announced the signing of two gymnasts to the 2013 squad. Alex Johnson of Marysville, Ohio, and Jake Martin of Orlando, Fla., will join the Buckeyes next fall.

“We look forward to having these two gymnasts join the Buckeye family in the fall of 2012,” Sharipov said. “Both Jake and Alex are strong all-around gymnasts that will really increase the team depth on each event and will definitely be assets to the future of The Ohio State University men's gymnastics program.”

Both Johnson and Martin have claimed titles at various elite state and national junior events. Johnson was crowned the 2010 Ohio State Champion and has claimed multiple Top 10 finishes at the VISA Championships, while Martin has posted several Top 3 finishes, including an all-around title at the 2010 Men’s Junior Olympic National Championships.

For more information on the two Buckeye prospects, see below:

Alex Johnson
Hometown: Marysville, Ohio
Parents: Rich and Jill Johnson
Past Accomplishments:
• 2011 Ohio State runner up
• 2011 Region V team member
• 2011 18th at JO nationals
• 2011 9th place all-around At VISA Championships
• 2010 Ohio State Champion • 2010 Region V Champion
• 2010 Region V Team Member • 2010 13th at JO Nationals
• 2010 Floor runner-up at VISA Championships
• 2010 10th place all-around at VISA Championships

Jake Martin
Hometown: Orlando, Fla.
Parents: Larry and Donna Martin
Past Accomplishments:
• 2011 VISA Championships - 3rd-SR, VT, HB; 4th-AA;(Jr. 16-18)
• 2011 Men's Junior Olympic National Championships - 2nd-AA, HB; 3rd-VT;(L10 16-18)
• 2011 Winter Cup Challenge - 8th-HB
• 2010 VISA Championships - 1st-HB(T); 2nd-PH; 3rd-AA; 4th-VT;(Jr. 14-15)
• 2010 Men's Junior Olympic National Championships - 1st-AA, HB; 3rd-PH(T), SR(T), VT;(L10 14-15)
• 2009 Visa Championships - 2nd-VT(T), HB; 3rd-AA; 4th-FX(T); Jr., 14-15)
• 2009 National Qualifier - 2nd-AA(T), VT; 3rd-PH, PB(T), HB (Jr. Div.)
• 2009 Men's Junior Olympic National Championships - 5th-HB; 7th-AA (L10 14-15) (Jr. Div.)
• 2009 Junior Pan American Championships - 2nd-Team; 5th-PH
• Three-time U.S. Junior National Team member (2009-11)