Craig Ballard Last College: West Virginia, 2006 Position: Assistant Coach

Craig Ballard is in his first season as an assistant coach with the BGSU gymnastics team.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work at an outstanding institution as Bowling Green State University and for a tremendous coach, Kerrie Beach," said Ballard. "The gymnastics program at BGSU is very much like a family, and has a great deal of potential. I can't wait to get started."

Ballard comes to BGSU after serving as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Rhode Island since 2007. While there he was named the 2007-08 ECAC Assistant Coach of the Year, while helping the Rams to a second-place finish at the Conference Championships, their highest finish in school history. While at URI he also spent time at the Aim High Academy in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, where he coached an athlete to a 2008 J.O. National Championship (Level 10) appearance.

He also spent four years at West Virginia as a team manager/student coach, helping the team to four NCAA Regional appearances and one EAGL conference championship.

"I am thrilled that Craig will be joining Falcon Gymnastics," said BGSU head coach Kerrie Beach. "After an excellent year at URI, it is clear that Craig will bring enthusiasm and knowledge, particularly on vault and bars, to our program. Craig shares my vision of creating a top level Mid American Conference gymnastics program and pushing BGSU Gymnastics beyond to NCAA post-season championship competition. He is a welcome addition.

Ballard graduated from West Virginia in 2006.