Hawkeyes Head To California

Feb. 21, 2006

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THIS WEEK — The University of Iowa men’s gymnastics team travels to Oakland, CA, Saturday to compete in the Pacific Coast Classic at the Oakland Convention Center. Competition is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. (CST).

COMPETING TEAMS — Competing teams include: Oklahoma, California- Berkeley, Michigan, Iowa, Stanford, Minnesota and William and Mary.

THE PACIFIC COAST CLASSIC — In 1969 there were 230 NCAA men’s gymnastics teams. Today there are 19. The Pacific Coast Classic is a benefit where 100 percent of the proceeds go directly to support intercollegiate gymnastics and scholarships. Since its start in 2004, over 1,100 athletes have taken part in the Classic.

LAST TIME OUT — The Hawkeyes finished second in a Big Ten triangular beating fifth-ranked Michigan (196.1) and falling to Illinois (211.85). Iowa’s final score was 209.6. Michael Reavis was the all-around leader with a 52.35. Iowa also matched its season best team score, 209.6

Michael Reavis — Reavis has finished first in the all-around in each competition this season. His best score was 54.050 against Oklahoma. He is ranked second according to GymInfo national rankings.

NATIONAL RANKINGS — The Hawkeyes are ranked seventh in the GymInfo national rankings this week. Iowa has a 5-5 record.

HEAD COACH Tom Dunn — Head Coach Tom Dunn is in his 27th year at Iowa. He has compiled a 204-92-2 record. In 1998, Dunn was named Big Ten Coach of the Year and College Gymnast Association Central Region Coach of the Year. He has led the Hawkeyes to 17 top-10 finishes at the NCAA Championships. Iowa has competed at the NCAA meet 17 of the past 22 seasons. Dunn has also coached 30 individuals to 62 all-America honors and 20 gymnasts to 32 Big Ten titles.

QUOTING HEAD COACH Tom Dunn — “Five out of the top eight teams in the nation will participate in the Pacific Coast Classic. I’m especially anxious to see how we stack up against third-ranked Stanford and eighth-ranked California. I have lots of respect for those two programs, but the judging varies so much from the East coast to the West coast that you just don’t know were you stand until you get on the same floor.”

NEXT COMPETITION — The Hawkeyes host Illinois on March 5 in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The meet is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.