Michael Salipante Hometown: Wellesley, Mass. High School: Wellesley HS Height: 5-10 Event: SR, V, PB Experience: 1V

Made the rings team as a true freshman...hopes to become a threat on multiple events.

2009: Scored his highest marks of the year on rings, his specialty event in his freshman campaign, when he earned a 14.700...scored a 14.450 on rings at the NCAA team championships.

Personal: Three-time regional team member...earned academic All-American accolades in high school...named to the Massachusetts Gym Center state championship team four times...undeclared major...parents are Catherine and Robert Salipante.

SALIPANTE'S 2009/CAREER BESTS (FIG SCORING SYSTEM)
Rings 14.700

CalBears.com: Why did you choose Cal?
MS: "I really wanted to see another side of the country. Cal has both great academics and athletics. I loved it when I visited."

CalBears.com: What has been the hardest, most surprising aspect about transitioning from high school to college?
MS: "The lack of free time. We keep very busy with our workout schedule and the amount of schoolwork we have to do."

CalBears.com: What is your favorite part about gymnastics and/or how did you get started in gymnastics?
MS: "I started when I was two with mom and tot classes. My sister was a gymnast so I was always in the gym when she was in class, so my mom signed me up and I never stopped going. My favorite part of gymnastics is the feel of accomplishment after a good routine or learning a new skill."