Nov. 26, 2003

Chicago, Ill.- University of Illinois at Chicago junior all-around standout Neil Faustino (Stockton, Calif./Lincoln) will travel to Vietnam on Thursday to participate in the Southeast Asian Games, held from December 4-6, as part of the Phillippines National Team.

Faustino, who qualified for the national team this past summer, will compete in the all-around and has a good chance to medal in the vault and rings events, according to UIC Head Men's Gymnastics Coach "CJ" Johnson.

The Southeast Asian Games will be Faustino's first international competition.

Joining Faustino in Vietnam will be Flames' assistant men's gymnastics coach Charlie Nelson, who will take part in the tour as a member of the Phillippines' Southeast Asian Games delegation, according to Johnson.