Nov. 17, 2014
AUBURN, Ala. - Samantha Cerio from Huntersville, N.C.; Emma Engler from Raleigh, N.C.; Taylor Krippner from Cypress, Texas; and Emma Slappey from Jacksonville, Fla., have signed a national letter of intent with Auburn gymnastics, head coach Jeff Graba announced on Monday.
Cerio is a two-time JO National Qualifier with a top 10 finish at each and is a two-time Region 8 Level 10 All-Around Champion. She is coached by Kristie Phillips and Geoff Stafford at KPAC in Troutman, N.C.
Engler is a two-time Region 8 Level 10 Vault Champion and a JO National Championships Qualifier. She is coached by Milan and Heidi Stanovich at Sonshine Gymastics in Holly Springs, N.C.
Krippner is a JO National Qualifier and is currently training as a Sr. Elite for the 2015 season. She qualified as a Jr. Elite to the 2012 U.S. Classic and won the All-Around at one of the 2013 National Qualifiers. She is coached by Terry and Tamara Walker at World Champions Centre in Conroe, Texas.
Slappey is a three-time JO National Qualifier with Top 15 All-Around finishes at each, and she has four Region 8 Level 10 event titles, including beam, floor and all-around. She is coached by Vessy Ivanov at Starlight Gymnastics in Jacksonville, Fla.
"We are extremely excited to announce our 2015 class," said Graba. "This class is well rounded, and we believe every one of these gymnasts will have an immediate and long-lasting impact on our program. "Emma Slappey will bring a bunch of power and national experience to our team. Emma Engler will give us much needed depth on all four events and brings a great combination of power and grace.
"Samantha Cerio is a great all-around gymnast but is known for her exceptional bar and beam routines and finally Taylor Krippner will bring a tremendous amount of Elite competition experience as well as a combination of technique and power as well. Overall, this class will be fun to watch for our fans!"
Season ticket prices for Auburn's five home meets vs. Arkansas on Jan. 23, Air Force on Jan. 30, LSU on Feb. 13, Georgia on Feb. 27 and North Carolina on March 13 are as follows:
Reserved Chairback Floor: $50
Reserved Chairback Premium: $40
Family Four Packs: $120
Faculty/Staff: $20
Auburn's 2015 Preview meet is free to the public on Monday, Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m. before its season opener at North Carolina on Jan. 9. For the latest updates on Auburn Gymnastics, follow the Tigers on Twitter, @Auburn_Gym or like https://www.facebook.com/AUGymnastics