Feb. 5, 2007
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THIS WEEK — The Iowa men’s gymnastics team will travel to Las Vegas, NV, to compete in the Winter Cup Challenge in the Sports Center Arena. Jacques Bouchard, Jonathan Buese, Curtis Kleffman and Geoff Reins will represent the Hawkeyes. The meet will include two individual preliminary event finals and all-around qualification sessions at noon and 6 p.m. Thursday; and the all-around finals at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
THE WINTER CUP CHALLENGE — Eighty-four athletes will compete to fill seven spots up for grabs on the 2007 U.S. Senior National Team. Based on a point system for each event, roughly half the competitors will move on to day two of the competition. For more information check the USA Gymnastics website at http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/men/. website at http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/men/.
LAST TIME OUT — At home against Minnesota last weekend, Iowa was defeated, 206.0-201.5. Reins scored a personal best (9.5) winning the floor exercise. Reins also finished third on vault (8.6). On pommel horse, Kleffman tied for first (8.35) and Bryan Bourland placed third (7.9). Jonathan Buese finished second in the all-around (47.0) while Jacob Becker tied for second on parallel bars (8.55).
LAST YEAR AT THE WINTER CUP — Three members of the 2006 squad competed, Michael Reavis, Kleffman and Bouchard. Iowa graduate, Reavis was one of 14 competitors to make the U.S. national team. It was the first time since 1996 that a Hawkeye has made the team. Kleffman came in second on pommel horse (29.1) and 18th in the all-around (165.4).
IOWA’S RECORD — Iowa has a 2-6 record this season.
HEAD COACH Tom Dunn — In his 28th year at Iowa, Head Coach Tom Dunn, has recorded a 212-100-2 record at Iowa. In 1998 and 2006, Dunn was named Big Ten Coach of the Year and College Gymnastics 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 32 individuals to 64 all-America honors and 20 gymnasts to 32 Big Ten titles.
NEXT COMPETITION — The Hawkeyes return to Iowa City to face Nebraska February 24 for their final home meet. Competition begins at 7 p.m. in the UI Field House.