Jan. 26, 2010

BERKELEY - Freshman Steven Lacombe joins the California men's gymnastics team from his hometown of Mission Viejo, Calif. Cal head coach Barry Weiner calls Lacombe a diamond who simply needs time to learn and polish. Lacombe can do a double front on vault and his great strength on rings will make him a fierce collegiate competitor. CalBears.com caught up with the freshman to discuss his first semester as a student-athlete at Cal.

CalBears.com: What has been the hardest, most surprisingly aspect about transitioning from high school to college?
Steven Lacombe: Classes are a lot harder than high school.

CalBears.com: What has been your favorite part about college life so far?
SL: The amount of freedom you have compared to high school.

CalBears.com: What is your favorite part about gymnastics?
SL: My favorite part is the adrenaline rush you get when doing hard or challenging skills and the feeling of accomplishment if you make it.

CalBears.com: When you're not in the gym, what are you likely to be doing?
SL: Some of my hobbies are playing guitar and drums.

CalBears.com: What would you like people to remember about you after you leave Cal?
SL: That I was a big help to the team and that I was a hard worker.

CalBears.com: What were your initial impressions of Berkeley?
SL: Berkeley seemed very fun and exciting and also a little intimidating.

CalBears.com: Now that you're done or almost done with your first semester of college, what advice do you wish someone had told you about college or would you give to incoming student-athletes?
SL: If you don't like walking, get a scooter!