Ronayne Adds Two to 2010 Gymnastics Squad

AMES, Iowa?Rebecca Ellis (Brighton, N.Y.; Rochester Gymnastics Academy) and Elizabeth Stranahan (Atlanta, Ga.; Georgia Gymnastics Academy ) will join the Iowa State gymnastics team for the upcoming 2010 campaign. The duo joins Jessica Rizzi (Downers Grove, Ill.; Illinois Gymnastics Institute) as members of ISU head coach Jay Ronayne's 2010 class.

“Rebecca and Elizabeth both bring their own special talents to the team,” Ronayne said. “I seem them both working into competition this upcoming season. They both have room to grow, and I see their gymnastics continuing to get better and better throughout their careers at Iowa State.”

Ellis comes to ISU fresh off a fifth-place showing on beam at the 2009 Junior Olympic National Championships, while also placing 20th in the all-around at the competition. Ellis, a National Society of High School Scholars member who boasted a 3.98 grade-point average at Brighton High School, also took first on the beam and second in the all-around at regionals.

In 2008, Ellis placed 13th on beam at nationals, second on floor and third in the all-around at regionals. She also placed first on floor and second on vault at the New York state competition. Ellis competed for 10 years at Rochester Gymnastics Academy.

Stranahan, a 13-year competitor at Georgia Gymnastics Academy, was the 2009 Georgia Senior B Level 10 state champion in the all-around, beam and floor. Stranahan was the beam champion and took third in the all-around at the Senior B Region 8 championships. She tied for fourth on floor at the 2008 Senior C Junior Olympic Championships. Stranahan was also a 2009 Junior Olympic qualifier.

The Iowa State gymnastics team concluded its 2009 campaign ranked 19th nationally and placed third at the NCAA North Central Regional meet.