Oklahoma Gymnasts Topple No. 1 Illinois On Record-Breaking Night

NORMAN, Okla. The University of Oklahoma men's gymnastics team broke its own NCAA scoring record Saturday night at McCasland Field House in Norman. The No. 2 ranked Sooners posted a 225.200 to easily out-distance No. 1 Illinois, 221.875. It marked the second time this season that OU took down the nation's top-ranked team. Earlier, Oklahoma bested Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio, on Feb. 13.

Before Saturday's meet, OU came in with the nation's top three scores in NCAA history under the new scoring system implemented in 2001. Against No. 1 Illinois, OU topped their previous high of 223.500 set at the conference championships last season with an amazing 225.200.

Complete Results

“My expectations have been blown away by this team,” Oklahoma head coach Mark Williams. “That (record) is a product of how focused these guys are and I am thrilled about what they accomplished tonight. The guys were on fire and proved that on any given night they can be as good as anyone in the country. We have to take this momentum from this competition and hopefully carry it into the postseason.”

It was senior night for three Sooners and in their last home meet this season, OU recorded three school records on the floor exercise with a 37.500, on the vault with a 37.700 and on the high bar scoring a 38.275. Senior Jock Stevens broke the school individual mark with a 9.725 that won the floor competition. Senior co-captains Heath Mueller and Quinn Rowell also scored well. Rowell took first on the high bar with a 9.675 and Mueller was second in the all-around with a career-best 55.175 and second on the floor with another career-high, a 9.35.

“This was just an unbelievable night for the seniors,” said Williams. “It was electric right from the beginning when they honored the seniors. All three of them had fantastic evenings. Jock (Stevens) had a school record on floor, Heath (Mueller) had a great all-around performance setting a career high and Quinn (Rowell) finished up solid on his two events. They really showed what an amazing group they are by their performances in this meet against the No. 1 team in the nation.”

OU (12-0) defeated the Fighting Illini in four events, losing the pommel horse and parallel bars. The Sooners never trailed in the competition and extended their overall winning streak to 50 victories.

“This is just a great way to go out tonight setting an NCAA record,” said Mueller. “The team was really clicking tonight and we had a good meet. Now we need to keep this momentum going.”

Junior David Henderson performed solid against that nation's top team, winning the all-around with a 55.275, a career-high. Henderson also took first on the vault, recording another career-best 9.650.

Illinois' score of 221.875 ranks No. 5 all-time behind the Sooners' four tallies.

The Sooners return to action next weekend to conclude the regular season at Nebraska on Friday, March 12 at 7 p.m.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Oklahoma Gymnasts Topple No. 1 Illinois On Record-Breaking Night

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