Jan. 22, 2003

Illinois travels to Minneapolis this weekend to take on the 10th-ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers. The Gophers have competed once so far this year, taking fifth place at the Windy City Invitational on Jan. 11, one spot behind the Illlini. Minnesota is led by Sophomore Guillermo Alvarez, who currently ranks first in the nation on the vault (9.450) and fifth in the all-around (52.200).

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Pummer Excels In Debut
Illinois freshman Adam Pummer was very impressive in his first ever collegiate meet two weeks ago. The Allentown, Penn. native finished fourth in the all-around with a score of 51.400 and took third in both the floor exercise (9.200), parallel bars (8.750) and fourth on the vault (9.25).

A First For Garnett
Illinois junior Erik Garnett took first place on the parallel bars against a loaded field at the Windy City Invitational on Jan. 11. The walk-on from Mandeville, La., scored a 8.850 on the bars to shatter his old career-high of 8.000 and to claim his first ever event victory.

Wetterling Already Flying High
Junior Scott Wetterling got his season off to a good start by winning the high bar competition at the Windy City Invitational. The Pennington, N.J. nativescored a 9.250 on the high bar to claim victory and also finished fifth in the all-around with a score of 51.050.

Injury Bug
Last year's squad was decimated by injuries as the season wound down, that so far this year, the injury bug has picked up where it left off. Sophomore All-American Peter Shostchuk and freshman standout Justin Spring both sat out the Windy City Invitational but could return this weekend.

Up Next
After taking on the Golden Gophers, the Illini return to Champaign for their home opener. UI will host #3 Ohio State on Saturday, Feb. 1 at Huff Hall. The meet will be a co-ed meed featuring the Illlini women's team as well. The womenwill also be taking on the Buckeyes.