Feb. 7, 2008

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Illinois men's gymnastics team is taking a break from collegiate competition this week and will send five gymnasts to one of the toughest meets of the calendar year in the 2008 Winter Cup Challenge in Las Vegas, Feb. 7 and 9 at the Las Vegas Sports Center. The meet, not considered a team event, will feature the NCAA's best competitors from around the country, as well as the nation's top gymnasts, including current members of the U.S. Senior National Team.

Heading to Vegas for the Illini are six-time All-American Wes Haagensen, freshman standout Paul Ruggeri, 2007 All-American Chris Silcox, sophomore sensation Luke Stannard and four-time All-American Tyler Yamauchi.

At the two day competition, scores from the qualifier (2/7) and finals (2/9) will count toward the final rankings for the all-around and individual events. The two qualifying rounds will be held at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. (CT) on Feb. 7, with both featuring approximately 44 athletes. The top 42 gymnasts, based on the points ranking system approved by the U.S. Men's Program Committee, will advance to the finals at 9:15 p.m. (CT) on Feb. 9.

Other top competitors in the 2008 Winter Cup field are 13 members of the current U.S. Men's Senior National team, including Olympic Gold medalist in the all-around Paul Hamm, 2007 U.S. all-around champion David Durante and 2006-07 Tyson American Cup champion Jonathan Horton of Oklahoma.

After the Challenge, the senior national team will be reorganized with eight gymnasts earning spots on the team. At the conclusion of the Winter Cup, four athletes will be named to the team based on the outcome of the national team points system rank order. The remaining three will be selected from Winter Cup Challenge participants and petitioned athletes by the U.S. Men's Program Committee.

In addition, the seven members of the 2007 World Championships Team, which finished fourth at the world competition, automatically retain their national team status. Together, the 15 gymnasts will makeup the U.S. team until the 2008 Visa Championships in May.

Due to time zone differences and the late starts on both days, a full recap will be available at www.fightingillini.com the morning after each day's competition. Results and scores can be found throughout the competition at www.usagymnastics.org for more timely updates.

ILLINI AT WINTER CUP
Senior Wes Haagensen
• Six-Time All-American (PB, FX, AA, HB)
• 2007 Big Ten Gymnast of the Year
• 2007 All-Big Ten
• 2007 Big Ten All-Around Champion
• Eight top-three finishes on the season (Tied for most on team)
• Projected to compete in the all-around

Freshman Paul Ruggeri
• 2006-07 Junior National Team Member
• 2006 Visa Championships Gold Medalist on Floor and High Bar
• 2006 Bronze Medalist on Vault and in the All-Around
• Eight top-three finishes on the season (Tied for most on the team)
• Projected to compete in the all-around

Senior Chris Silcox
• 2007 NCAA All-American on high bar
• 2007 NCAA qualifier on floor
• 2004 U.S. National Champion on high bar
• Has been out of the Illini lineup for most of the season due to injury
• Projected to compete on high bar and parrallel bars

Sophomore Luke Stannard
• 2007 Big Ten Championships individual qualifier on pommel horse
• Two top three finishes this season, both on pommel horse
• Projected to compete on floor, vault, high bar, parallel bars and pommel horse

Senior Tyler Yamauchi
• Four-time All-American (SR, FX)
• 2007 Big Ten Champion on vault
• 2007 All-Big Ten
• 2007-08 Preseason All-Big Ten
• Four top three-finishes on the year
• Projected to compete on rings, pommel horse and parallel bars