Shephard announces three gymnast recruits

Penn State women's gymnastics head coach Steve Shephard has announced the signing of three student-athletes. Penn State welcomes Kristina Beck, Melissa Klein and Heather McElwee, who will be eligible to compete for the Nittany Lions in the 2007-2008 season.

Beck is a Level 10 gymnast from Jacksonville, Fla., where she trains at Starlight Gymnastics. She was the 2005 National Champion on bars and qualified for the JO Nationals from 2002-2006.

Klein is a native of Oceanside, N.Y. and trains at Phoenix Gymnastics on Long Island. She was a national qualifier in 2006.

McElwee is from Ponte Vedra, Fla., and trains at Gymnastics Unlimited in Jacksonville, Fla. She earned fourth in the all-around at the 2006 regional competition and was the regional beam champion in 2006.

The 2007 Penn State squad begins the season on the road at the Super Six Challenge on Friday, Jan. 5 at Arkansas with Florida, Denver, LSU and Nebraska. The Nittany Lions then return home for three consecutive weekends, hosting Arkansas, Minnesota and NC State.