OU Gymnasts Head to Philadelphia With International Aspirations

July 30, 2001

NORMAN, Okla. - A lot is at stake for Oklahoma men's gymnastics assistant coach Guard Young and Sooner sophomore Jock Stevens as they head to the U.S. Gymnastics Championships August 8-10, being held on the campus of Temple University in Philadelphia, Pa.

The U.S. Gymnastics Championships will crown national champions in both all-around and individual event finals, and the 2001 World Championship Team will be named, based on the inidividual performances at this event. The World Championships are Oct. 28 - Nov. 4 in Ghent, Belgium. Also at stake are positions on the 2001-2002 Senior and Junior National Teams and the Goodwill Games Team, which will compete from Aug. 29 - Sept. 4 in Brisbane, Australia.

Young automatically qualified to compete in the national championships as a member of the U.S. National Team. He has competed in two international competitions within the past year. Stevens scored a 49.15 to place 11th at the GymJam Qualifier on June 30, earning a trip to the prestigious event.

Oklahoma head coach Mark Williams has been working with the two gymnasts for most of the summer, and the pair is pushing one another to improve and succeed in Philadelphia.

"It's always good to have someone there with you," said Stevens, "pushing you and making sure you're doing all the things you need to perform at your best. It's nice to have someone like Guard working with me, knowing he has the same goals and aspirations that I do."

The remainder of the Oklahoma squad has also benefitted from the preparation for the national championships by Young and Stevens. Many other gymnasts have remained in Norman over the summer, and the squad is developing chemistry and leadership, as well as new skills and routines for next season.

"We have 10 guys in here everyday, volunteering their time and trying to get better," said Young of the Sooner squad. "That's to improve for both international and team goals, and it's fun to be a part of a program with that level of dedication, both as a coach and as an athlete."

Williams is optimistic for Young and Stevens as they prepare, and he hopes they not only do well and qualify for international competition, but that they set an example for all of Oklahoma's gymnasts.

"We want them to come here seeking national championships," said Williams. "We also want them to make international teams and keep Oklahoma at the forefront of all levels of gymnastics."

University of Oklahoma Athletics

OU Gymnasts Head to Philadelphia With International Aspirations

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