Kendig Signs One for 2006 Class

Lincoln ? Nebraska women’s gymnastics coach Dan Kendig announced Tuesday the signing of gymnast Maria Scaffidi of Hartland, Wis. Scaffidi is the first signee of the Huskers’ 2006 recruiting class.

 

The daughter of John and Sandy Scaffidi, she will graduate from Arrowhead High School this year. Maria currently competes for Coach Greg LaFleur at the LaFleur Academy of Gymnastics and has trained at the elite level for several years.

 

At the 2000 Junior Pan-American Championships in Curitiba, Brazil, Scaffidi captured the all-around and balance beam titles while also placing first in the team competition. As a Level 10 competitor at the 2005 Junior Olympic National Championships, she finished 18th on the uneven bars with a 9.375 and 35th in the all-around competition (36.45).

 

“Maria is a strong and powerful gymnast,” Kendig said. “We expect her to make an immediate impact on each event when she arrives at Nebraska next fall.”

 

The 2005 Nebraska squad made its seventh consecutive appearance at the NCAA Championships in Auburn, Ala., finishing sixth nationally. NU will open its 2006 season at the Super Six Challenge in Baton Rouge, La., on Jan. 6 at 6 p.m.