Feb. 8, 2013

STANFORD, Calif. - As an introduction to this year's freshman class, gostanford.com will present an interview with a different Stanford men's gymnastics freshman each Friday. This week, gostanford.com profiles David Frankl.

Frankl currently holds Stanford's highest individual score on pommel horse, earning a 14.800 in his collegiate debut.

Q: How is your first year at Stanford going so far?

A: It’s been going really well. Everything at Stanford including the campus, to the climate, the athletic facilities, and most importantly my teachers and coaches, have been top notch. It’s easy to thrive in such an idyllic environment. Most importantly, I’ve made some good friends here. I’m grateful to be a part of such a nice university.

Q: How has your time been with the Stanford gymnastics team?

A: I’ve really enjoyed my experience with the gym team so far. I think that, especially in gymnastics, coaching is a big part of every gymnast’s success. My coach back home, Genadi Shub, was really excellent and I can thank him for getting me to this point. At Stanford, we are lucky to have three amazing coaches. Working with them has been a pleasure. Furthermore, it is nice to have 18 other guys in the gym, all working toward the same goal.

Q: What role have the other freshmen played in your transition to the college life?

A: It’s great to come in to Stanford as a freshman and be able to share my experiences with five other guys that are going through the same process. We are able to push each other during practice, and share in exploring what Stanford has to offer together. We’re a close nit group, and I’m excited to be spending the next four years with them.

Q: You recorded Stanford’s current highest score of the season on pommel horse in your first collegiate appearance at the Stanford Open (14.800), what was that moment like?

A: It was a relief! With the energy in Burnham Pavilion very high, I concentrated on staying relaxed and doing my job. With every score counting toward the team total in this new scoring format, it is especially important to perform consistently. I was pleased to go out and record a hit routine for the team.

Q: What are your expectations for the team this year, both short and long term?

A: The team has a lot of potential. We are confident in our ability to go out there and perform when it counts. We have lofty goals for the year. With that said, we understand that there are numerous other teams with similar ambition. We will continue to train hard and try to get something out of every meet in preparation for NCAA’s. Dedication in the short term will lead to reward in the long term.

Q: What are your personal goals this year?

A: I plan to continue working hard and helping the team in whatever way possible. My strongest asset to the team at this point is pommel horse. I’ll look to improve on some little things and most importantly maintain my consistency on the event.