Feb. 6, 2006

Harrisonburg, Va.- Three top-three finishes by junior Tim Morrison and a second-place bars performance by rookie Nick Persino paced the UIC men's gymnastics team at the James Madison Open on Saturday.

Without the scoring punch provided by senior Nick Stavros, who was vying for a spot on the U.S. National Team in Las Vegas at the Winter Cup Challenge, Morrison helped pick up the scoring load with a second-place floor routine (8.9) and a third-place vault (8.9) to take second in the all-around with a 48.450.

Persino continued to show potential as a star with his parallel bars performance, posting an 8.150 for a runner-up finish. He also placed fifth on high bar with an 8.4.

Brad Trompeter placed third on rings with an 8.650, followed by Jeff White's fourth-place 8.550.

Jeffrey Bill looked strong on vault, scoring an 8.9 to share third with Morrison on vault.

Andrew Krueger took fifth on floor exercise with an 8.5.

Senior Eric Novick made his season debut, competing on pommel horse and still rings.

UIC placed third at the JMU Open, scoring a 195.150. The College of William & Mary won the meet with a 201.350, while Navy took second with a 196.300. James Madison followed UIC in fourth with a 171.700.

The Flames return home to face top-ranked Ohio State at the UIC Physical Education Building on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 7:00 p.m.