Sooner Gymnasts Busy On World Stage

NORMAN, Okla. NCAA Champion Daniel Furney of the Oklahoma mens gymnastics program was named to the five man roster representing the United States in the 2003 World University Games. The US contingent will travel to Daegu, Korea for the international competition, which takes place Aug. 21-31.

"I am excited to be a part of the World University Games team," said Furney. "This is great opportunity to show my skills on an international stage."

Furney, who has exhausted his collegiate eligibility, is one of five gymnasts on the roster with ties to collegiate programs. Joining OUs All-American is Kevin Tan (Penn State), Scott Vetere (Michigan), Guillermo Alvarez (Minnesota) and Graham Ackerman (Cal). Kurt Golder of Michigan is the head coach and will be assisted by Wolverine coach Louis Levine. Yoshi Hayasaki, the head coach of Illinois, was named the team leader.

This is the most prestigious meet of Furneys amateur career, which includes stints on the 2002 US National Team and Junior National Team.

OU assistant coach Guard Young has turned down an invitation to compete in the Pan American Games in order to concentrate his efforts on the World Championships, which are being held at The Pond in Anaheim, Calif., Aug 16-24. Young is an alternate on the World Championships squad and will head to Columbus, Ohio, for training July 10-15. In 2002, Young was named an alternate before replacing Morgan Hamm and competing on floor at the World Championships in Decrebon, Hungrary.

Fellow graduated senior Brett Covey is being considered for Canadas Pan American Games Team, which travels to the Dominic Republic for the 2003 games, which begin Aug. 1.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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