Jan. 26, 2009

BERKELEY - With two meet wins under its belt, the California men's gymnastics team is off to a great start in 2009. One of the key team members is junior Daniel Geri. He took third place at the Stanford Open with a 14.550 on pommel horse. CalBears.com recently sat down with Geri to discuss his thoughts on the team and his personal characteristics.

CalBears.com: What do you feel is your greatest sports achievement?
Daniel Geri: "I feel it is getting accepted to Cal for gymnastics so that I am able to continue my gymnastics career and excel at it."

CalBears.com: What made you decide to come to Cal?
DG: "Many things: the campus, the prestige of the university, the student atmosphere, and probably the food as well. However two major aspects that made me decide to come to Cal were my teammates and the coaching staff. After my recruiting trip, it was a no brainer to come to this school and I have not yet regretted my decision at all."

CalBears.com: What is your main goal for the upcoming season?
DG: "To get a team NCAA championship, of course."

CalBears.com: Do you have any pre-meet rituals or superstitions?
DG: "I used to as a freshman. About four or five hours before the beginning of the meet, I would get a oven-roasted chicken breast sandwich on honey oat bread from a local sandwich place. However, during my next year as a sophomore, I realized that rituals weren't necessary to hit a routine the day of the competition. Since then, I would just think about all the hard work I've put in all year long the day of the meet and I would do just as fine."

CalBears.com: Who are your heroes?
DG: "Currently, I would have to say President Barack Obama. I feel that he will turn our financial crisis around and improve the U.S. market. Another hero of mine would have to be Kyson Bunthuwong, co-captain of the team. His work ethic and gymnastics ability motivates me and, I'm sure, the rest of the team as well. But if I were to answer this question right off the bat, I would have to say either Batman or Will Smith."

CalBears.com: Name one special non-gymnastics talent you have?
DG: "I'm decent at wakeboarding. It's similar to skateboarding, except on water while being tugged by a boat. I was an avid wakeboarder in high school."

CalBears.com: What has been your favorite trip with the team?
DG: "Penn State for the NCAA Championships in 2007. As a freshman, it was an awesome to compete at the NCAA Championships and was a great experience."

CalBears.com: Where is your favorite place to eat in Berkeley? What do you like to order?
DG: "Right now I would have to say Bear's Ramen House where I always get kimchi fried rice (with spam)."

CalBears.com: What has been your favorite class at Cal?
DG: "I would have to say Organic Chemistry with Professor Frechet. His enthusiasm (and not to mention his French accent) in the subject made the course very interesting."

CalBears.com: Who is the funniest teammate?
DG: "Probably Glen Ishino. I don't think he means to be funny but he just is."

CalBears.com: What do you like to do to relax?
DG: "Sleep on the living room couch. Hands down."