March 29, 2014

ANNAPOLIS, Md.- The UIC men's gymnastics team rounded out the ECAC Championships Saturday afternoon at Macdonough Hall, hosted by the US Naval Academy. The Flames placed sixth with a final score of 399.450. William and Mary took first in conference competition with a score of 424.05.

In all-around competition on Friday, Junior Jason Gaides took fifth with his score of 82.55. As a team, UIC placed fourth on parallel bars with their score of 67.400.

"Jason finishing fifth in the all-around sets him up very nice for the NCAA championships in Ann Arbor in two weeks," stated head coach Charley Nelson.

"Some of these guys are brand new competitors and it is hard to walk into that high-pressure conference atmosphere and perform at your best," continued Nelson. "We will have a few guys qualifying for the NCAA Championships in Ann Arbor and the work will start immediately for the 2015 season."

Individual competition took place on Saturday afternoon as UIC finished in the top six in four out of six events.

Gaides wowed on rings barely missing first with his score of 14.800. He also tied for fifth on floor exercise with his final score of 14.200.

Senior Lukasz Adamczyk took fourth on pommel horse when he scored 14.350.

Brett Valin's score of 14.600 was good for fourth place on vault.

The Flames will now prepare for the NCAA Championships, set for April 10-12 at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Mich.