April 7, 2005
WEST POINT, NY - With the determination of improving on last season's third-place finish at nationals, the Fighting Illini men's gymnastics team took a solid first step toward the coveted title this evening in the preliminary round of the 2005 NCAA Championships in West Point, NY.
The Fighting Illini placed first, shattering the school record once again this season with a score of 225.250 to move into Friday's final, along with the second and third-place finishers. Oklahoma placed second with a score of 223.450, followed by California (221.450), Iowa (218.725), Nebraska (214.350) and Army (211.825). Junior Justin Spring finished first among the competition on high bar and parallel bars with a score of 9.700.
"As a team, we had our ups and downs, but for the most part, we were really confident that we could hit our routines on the first day." Senior tri-captain Ben Newman commented. "The freshman really did an excellent job in their first national championship performance."
No. 2 Illinois highlighted the second of two sessions that included competition from meet-host Army, California, Iowa, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. Prior to tonight, Iowa and Cal were the only squads the Illini had faced this season, holding a record of 3-0 against the Hawkeyes and suffering their only regular season loss to the Golden Bears at the Pacific Coast Invite Feb. 19.
Illinois began the evening on vault, where entering this weekend's championships, the Illini ranked sixth nationally with an average of 36.995. Led by junior Adam Pummer's 9.575, Illinois posted a team score of 37.325, while freshman Jon Drollinger posted a career-high 9.100. However, Cal would take an early lead on rings after the first rotation.
Looking to redeem themselves after a disappointing performance on parallel bars at the Big Ten championships, the Illini made vast improvements on the event, posting a team score of 37.100. Junior Justin Spring led the way with a score of 9.700, followed by Pummer with a 9.300.
In the third rotation, consistency by the Illini paid off as the Orange and Blue posted a season-high team score of 37.600, boosting them into the top spot over the Golden Bears. Spring performed yet another electrifying set on his signature event, earning a 9.700. Rookies Wes Haagensen and Chris Silcox also contributed solid routines, with Haagensen earning a 9.350 and Silcox a career-high 9.300.
After a bye in the fourth rotation, the Illini maintained their focus on floor, with freshman Tyler Yamauchi leading the lineup with a 9.275 and Ross Bradley, Silcox and Pummer all posting a 9.250. The score would also be a career-high for Bradley.
Newman and junior Ted Brown showed why they are Big Ten co-pommel horse champions with the duo delivering clean routines and leading the Illini through their sixth rotation with ease. Brown, along with Haagensen tallied a 9.500, while Newman posted a 9.725.
With a commanding lead heading into the final rotation, Illinois remained confident concluding on rings, the event in which the Illini posted a school record 38.600 at the Big Ten Championships. Rookie Tyler Yamauchi led the way with a 9.725, followed by Newman with a 9.650.
Despite Illinois' solid preliminary performance, the squad maintains a look of resolve, knowing their job is only half complete.
"For tomorrow, we really need to clean up a few bobbles and errors that we had tonight," said Newman. "There are a couple of skills we held back on to keep guys at their peak for tomorrow, so hopefully by making those adjustments; we should be in good shape."
Up Next: Focused on finishing the job, the Illini carry the positive energy of tonight's win into the team finals, tomorrow evening at 7 p.m. EST that includes a Big Ten reunion with Illinois, Michigan, top-ranked Ohio State and defending national champion Penn State all vying for the title of nation's best.
For complete results of sessions I and II, visit www.ncaasports.com.
2005 NCAA Men's Gymnastics Championships
Hosted by the U.S. Military Academy
Preliminary Round
Session 1
1. Ohio State 220.900*
2. Michigan 223.375*
3. Penn State 220.350*
4. Stanford 218.375
5. Minnesota 217.400
6. William & Mary 208.525
Session 2
1. Illinois 225.250*
2. Oklahoma 223.450*
3. California 221.450*
4. Iowa 218.725
5. Nebraska 214.350
6. Army 211.825
*Advances to Friday's team final
