Jan. 10, 2014

CHICAGO - The UIC men's gymnastics team opens up its 2014 competitive season on Sunday, as they host Illinois at 1 p.m. (CT) at the Physical Education Building.

The Flames get underway after holding an exhibition meet, alongside the women's team, on Dec. 7, where the team was led in performances by Jason Gaides, Brandon Jones, Joseph Hodges, Brett Valin, and Kyle Christiansen.

Gaides held the best score on the pommel horse with 13.85 and high bar with 12.90. Jones scored a 13.90 on floor, while Hodges took 13.15 on rings and Valin produced a 14.00 on vault. Christiansen also had a top performance with 13.60 on parallel bars.

Last season when UIC hosted the Fighting Illini, Gaides held the best scores for the Flames on vault, floor and all-around while Illinois came away with the win.