This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2007, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Posted: 9:23 AM- As expected, the University of Utah's gymnastics team signed U.S. National team member Cortni Beers and two-time Junior Olympic national champion Stephanie McAllister.

Beers, from Tulsa, Okla., finished 10th at the 2005 USAG Nationals and McAllister, from Indianapolis, Ind., won the bronze medal in the all-around in both the 2005 and 2007 Friendship Cups.

Both gymnasts orally committed to Utah earlier, and plan to enroll next fall.

"It's dangerous to compare anybody, but Cortni reminds me a lot in terms of style to Theresa Kulikowski," Marsden said of the Utes' 1999 all-around and two-time national beam champion. "She has very fluid gymnastics and has a lot of experience at the highest level of competition. Stephanie is more athletic and has a very bubbly personality, one that is obvious on the competition floor."

Marsden is hopeful 2004 Canadian Olympian Gael Mackie will be able to join the team in December. A scholarship became available when Sarah Shire left the program and transferred to Missouri.

"All indications are she'll be with us," he said. "She has been admitted and registered for classes and has a dorm room assigned, she just needs to be cleared through the NCAA's eligibility center. Hopefully we can get that done in the next six weeks."

The preseason workouts have gone well Marsden said. One gymnast who has looked particularly well is junior Nina Kim, who struggled last year.

"She is in a really good place," Marsden said. "She decided on a major, on art, and making that decision has seemed to help her relax and that has helped her gymnastics."

Utah's season begins Jan. 8 with a home meet against three-time defending champion Georgia. The schedule includes road meets against top teams UCLA, Florida and Michigan.

"No one can accuse us of having an easy schedule," Marsden said. "It's going to be tough."