University of Illinois
Winter Cup
Illini Gymnasts Conclude Competition at Winter Cup
February 22, 2015 | Men's Gymnastics
Event Results | All-Around Results | USA Gymnastics Release
LAS VEGAS - Current University of Illinois gymnasts Jordan Valdez and Bobby Baker wrapped up their stints at the Winter Cup Challenge in Las Vegas late on the evening of Saturday, Feb. 21. C.J. Maestas also qualified for Saturday night's finals, but scratched due to not feeling well after battling illness the entire week prior to traveling to the Winter Cup.
Baker opened the first rotation on pommel horse with a 14.250 to give him a two-day mark of 28.950, which was good for 10th place in the event. On rings, Baker sported a score of 14.300 on the day and an overall mark of 28.700 to finish in the eighth slot. The Illini freshman finished in a tie for 14th on vault with a reading of 29.700 overall and 14.900 on the evening.
On the next rotation, Valdez turned in a 13.450 on the parallel bars to make his two-day reading a 26.600. Baker was right behind his fellow Illini with an overall score of 26.400.
Valdez turned up the heat on high bar, finishing in second place overall with a reading of 29.750 and a score of 14.900 on the night. He finished above everyone except his former teammate, Paul Ruggeri. Baker made another top-10 appearance, finishing ninth in the high bar rankings with an overall mark of 28.200 and a finals score of 14.200.
In the final event of the evening for Baker, floor, the Lemont, Illinois, native finished tied for 30th with a combined score of 27.350.
Baker finished 11th in the all-around standings with an overall score of 169.700. He registered a preliminary reading of 83.000 and a mark of 86.700 in the finals.
Former Fighting Illini gymnast, Paul Ruggeri, took home the all-around crown at the event with a final score of 175.250 in addition to claiming the overall top-spot on both vault and high bar and a spot on the U.S. National Team. Notably, Ruggeri led the all-around race following the first day of Winter Cup action with a score of 87.700.
Incoming Illini Alex Diab also competed in Saturday's finals and finished 21st in the all-around competition with a reading of 163.600.
Illinois will waste no time getting back into action as they head to Norman, Oklahoma, next weekend to face the top-ranked Sooners. Oklahoma is currently 8-0, while the Illini will enter the contest at 10-0. Action on Friday, Feb. 27, is slated for a 7 p.m. start time.
