Nov. 24, 2009
CHICAGO- The 2010 UIC men's gymnastics schedule was officially unveiled to the public on Tuesday, Nov. 24, with the season-opening 40th Annual Windy City Invitational and a visit from defending NCAA champion Stanford highlighting the 11th-ranked Flames' rigorous slate.
Veteran head coach "CJ" Johnson, entering his 37th season, and reigning ECAC and NCAA East Region Assistant Coach of the Year Charley Nelson like what they see so far from their team.
"This is one of the most talented teams I've had in my 36 years," said Johnson. "I believe we are poised to defend our ECAC title."
"Based on the talent in our gym, I think we can finish even better nationally than last year [a school record-tying 10th place NCAA finish]," said Nelson. "Hosting the national champions just before the conference championships should be the right motivation to get us to the postseason."
Fans can get a sneak peek at both the men's and women's gymnastics teams at the annual Mixed Pairs exhibition on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. inside the Physical Education Building.
Then, on Saturday, Jan. 16, the regular season begins with what is one of the greatest events in the men's gymnastics landscape in the Windy City Invitational. The 40th edition of the event, which features many of the best teams in the country, will begin at 7 p.m. in the PEB.
"The Windy City Invitational is the barometer for the entire season," said Johnson. "Every team involved gets a sense of how they will compare on the national scene at the Windy City."
Other home meets include Iowa on Feb. 6, sister school Illinois on Feb. 28, and a Senior Day visit from 2009 national champion Stanford on Mar. 26.
The Flames defend their ECAC title at the ECAC team finals in Williamsburg, Va., on Apr. 2. That is followed by individual event finals on Apr. 3.
The National Men's Gymnastics Championships take place in West Point, N.Y., the site of the Flames' 2009 ECAC title win, from Apr. 15-17.
The Flames return a record four NCAA individual event final qualifiers, including two-time all-around qualifier Andrew Stover.
"We have the talent and the opportunity to do something special this season, both as a team and individually," said Johnson. "Between our four returning NCAA qualifiers, the talent that has developed in our gym, and some very exciting freshmen, UIC has a team that could be very special."
For the Flames' complete schedule, click here.
Fans can listen to podcasts featuring exclusive interviews with UIC head coaches, staff and student-athletes in two ways:
1. Download the free UIC Athletics Widget and click on the "UIC Flames Podcasts" link
2. Download podcasts for free on iTunes by searching "UIC Flames."
Fans wishing to learn more about affordable and flexible UIC ticket plans are encouraged to call 312-413-UIC1 or visit www.uicflames.com and click on the "Tickets" tab on the Flames home page.
