Jan. 12, 2000

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - University of Illinois men's gymnast Leo Oka earned Big Ten Gymnast of the Week honors after his performance in the Illini's season-opening win at Illinois-Chicago last weekend.

Oka won the all-around with a score of 57.00 defeating teammate and 1998 all-around national champion Travis Romagnoli. Oka also took first on the pommel horse with a score of 9.35 and still rings with a 9.70 mark.

The Fighting Illini will be in action Saturday in Chicago at the Windy City Invitational and open the 2000 home season with a meet against Big Ten foe Michigan State at 7 p.m. in Huff Hall.