Jan. 11, 2013

CHICAGO - The UIC men's gymnastics team opens up its 2013 competitive season on Saturday, as they host Illinois at 5 p.m. (CT) at the Physical Education Building.

The Flames get underway after holding an exhibition meet, alongside the women's team, on Dec. 9, where the team was led in performances by Jason Gaides, David Ishida, Justin Maxwell and Dan Zerbel.

Gaides held the best score on floor with 14.60, vault with 14.40 and parallel bars with 13.50. Ishida scored a 13.60 on pommel horse, while Maxwell took 13.10 on rings and Zerbel produced a 13.90 on high bar.

UIC looks to make a push this season, after capturing a pair of wins in 2012 and placing third at the NCAC Championship.

In last season's meet against the Illini, the Flames came within 10 points, but were unable to come out on top after taking both the vault and pommel horse.