Nebraska Signs Two to 2008-09 Class

Lincoln?Nebraska signed two to its 2008 recruiting class, as Janelle Giblin and Brittany Skinner are set to become Huskers next fall, Head Coach Dan Kendig announced.

 

“Both Janelle and Brittany are very talented gymnasts,” Kendig said. “They will fill specific holes for us and will be great all-arounders and athletes. They bring great energy and a skill level that will help right away. We know that they will show up ready to go and compete.”

 

Janelle Giblin

(San Ramon, Calif.?California High School, Airborne Gymnastics)

Giblin is a Level 10 gymnast from the Airborne Gymnastics Club in Santa Clara, Calif., and is coached by Justin Howell and Liz Crandall. A three-time national qualifier, Giblin won the 2008 Level 10 state vault, bars, beam, floor and all-around championship. She captured the 2008 Level 10 regional bars, beam, floor and all-around crowns as well as the 2007 regional bars championship. In addition, Giblin was the 2007 state vault champion.

 

A native of San Ramon, Calif., Giblin attends California High School where she has carried a 4.0 throughout her high school career.

 

Giblin chose Nebraska over Oregon State, Washington, Stanford, California and Denver.

 

“I chose Nebraska because it was the best school for me,” Giblin said. “It was one of my last visits, and I felt comfortable the minute I stepped on campus. I immediately felt welcomed by the coaches and gymnasts and was very impressed with the facilities and the supporting staff.”

 

Brittany Skinner

(Los Altos, Calif.?Los Altos High School, Airborne Gymnastics)

Skinner is a Level 10 gymnast also coming from Airborne Gymnastics Club in Santa Clara, Calif., and is coached by Justin Howell and Liz Crandall. A two-time national qualifier, Skinner was the regional floor champion and took fourth on vault in 2008. She took the crown on vault and in the all-around at the Seattle Open and was the state bars, floor and all-around champion, as well as taking second on vault. At regionals in 2007, Skinner placed second on vault, and fourth on beam, bars and in the all-around. She followed up that performance with a seventh-place showing on vault at nationals. In addition, she placed second on vault at regionals in 2006 as well as placing sixth on beam at nationals.

 

Skinner is a native of Los Altos, Calif., where she attends Los Altos High School and is a member of the dance team.

 

Skinner chose Nebraska over offers Oklahoma, Denver, Washington and Arizona.

 

“From the minute I stepped on campus, I loved everything about Nebraska,” Skinner said. “From the gorgeous facilities, to the training room, the team was really welcoming and the coaches were great. I know I can be academically successful there, and I look forward to being a part of a top-rated gymnastics program. I just knew in my heart that this was the right place for me.”

 

Nebraska opens its 2009 season on Jan. 10 at Denver. The Huskers’ home opener is Jan. 30 against Penn State at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. Nebraska hosts the 2009 NCAA Championships April 16-18.