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Sunday, August 18, 1996

Although ineligible to compete, gymnast adds to blue 'n' goldBy Christopher Isidro

Summer Bruin Senior Staff

UCLA's newest coach brings with her a wealth of international competitive experience, a pair of Olympic medals and a proven ability to battle adversity.

She will also carry to work her reg card and student ID.

Kerri Strug, whose final vault on a severely sprained ankle in the 1996 Olympics secured the gold for the U.S. women's gymnastics team, was named as a volunteer assistant coach for the UCLA gymnastics team in a Friday press conference.

Strug, who signed a letter of intent with UCLA last year, gave up her NCAA eligibility soon after winning the gold medal.

Under the announced arrangement, Strug is allowed to train, travel, and perform exhibitions with the team while also entertaining professional and commercial opportunities.

With her agent Leigh Steinberg and Bruin head coach Valorie Kondos by her side, the 18-year-old incoming freshman said coming to Westwood fulfilled a longtime goal.

"It's been a lifelong dream of mine to attend UCLA," Strug said. "I'm looking forward to meeting new people and exploring other areas of life."

As one of the most recognizable figures from the Olympic Games, Strug has already caught up a whirlwind of endorsements and appearances, including Jay Leno's "Tonight Show" and an invitation to President Clinton's birthday party this weekend.

However, Strug feels that college will provide other valuable experiences, especially in terms of gymnastics.

"College gymnastics has always been different than (international) gymnastics because it is more team oriented and a lot more fun," she said. "My whole life, I've been in a little box."

Strug's addition gives UCLA gymnastics a boost, even though she is barred from competing for the school.

"UCLA is thrilled to have Kerri finally become a part of our program," Kondos said. "I know the athletes that are in the program have a tremendous amount of respect for Kerri and fell in love with her when she came on her recruiting trip."

The new UCLA coach will be looked upon to give the gymnasts help and advice, and perform exhibitions at select home meets.

"I really think of Kerri as a non-competitive team player ­ not just the star that shows up for workouts," Kondos said. "It's very, very important for Kerri to be part of the family."

The desire to be part of a family caused Strug to deliberate long and hard about going pro. But in the end, Strug's decision to forgo her eligibility was driven by keeping her current team together.

"It was definitely a really tough decision for me because going into the Games, I kept my eligibility," Strug said. "All of my other teammates, besides Amy Chow, had already been pro for quite a while.

"They had decided to go in as a team together," Strug added, "So that's why I made my decision."

Meanwhile, the Bruins will miss Strug's presence in a lineup that grabbed a runner-up finish at the 1996 NCAA Championships.

"I'd be lying to say I'm not disappointed," Kondos said. "She'd be one of many greats on this program that finished second last year. Having Kerri Strug on our team, wow!"

"It is unfair for female gymnasts in particular to have to make that decision," Kondos added. "I wish there was a way for her to reap the benefits of all worlds because she has earned them."

Gymnastics at the collegiate level traditionally has been a venue for the older athletes to continue competition. However, it is an option Strug cannot afford to take.

"Collegiate gymnastics is that arena for more mature gymnasts to compete under a different set of rules," Kondos added. "But she shouldn't have to give up all the other opportunities to do that."

JUSTIN WARREN/Daily Bruin

Kerri Strug, left, with her mother at her side, announced she will become a volunteer assistant coach for the UCLA gymnastics team.