Henderson and Mueller Advance To Day Two: Young Withdraws

NASHVILLE, Tenn. Oklahoma junior Jamie Henderson and 2004 graduate Heath Mueller advanced to the final day of the U.S. Gymnastic's Championships in Nashville, Tenn., on Wednesday.

Assistant coach Guard Young, also scheduled to compete, was forced to withdraw from the meet due to an acute case of tendonitis in his achilles' tendon. Young must now petition the Men's Elite Committee for a spot in the U.S. Olympic Trials, slated for June 24-27 in Anaheim, Calif.

Mueller and Henderson finished 24th and 27 respectively in the all-around at the championships on Wednesday and will return to action on Friday, June 4 at 7 p.m. (EST).

“Heath had a pretty good day by finishing strong to put himself in a good position at day's end,” said Oklahoma head coach Mark Williams. “Unfortunately Jamie had some misses on some routines that he has been doing well on in practice, but he still has a shot. He finished strong on the still rings and high bar and has a chance to be a two-event guy at the trials at the end of the month.”

Complete Results

Mueller tallied a 52.475 while Henderson scored a 52.000 despite some minor struggles. Mueller was solid across the board scoring his highest individual event tally on the high bar with a 9.100. Henderson's top scores came on the still rings with a 9.250 and on the high bar recording a 9.325.

“We are hoping to have a better day on Friday consistency wise,” added Williams. “I was pleased with Heath and Jamie's performance today because they both have the chance to compete again on Friday.”

Although two Sooners will compete another day, assistant coach Guard Young was not so lucky. Just before competition got underway, Young felt discomfort in his achilles' tendon and felt it was in his best interest to sit out the competition and file a petition to the committee. The 2001 world silver medalist was an alternate on the 2003 World Championship team and this is most likely his last chance at making the Olympic team.

“Today was an unfortunate one for Guard but he should still have a good chance to make the trials, said Oklahoma head coach Mark Williams. “His status on the team (national team) in year's past will definitely play a factor and the fact that he would have had a good shot to finish near the top this week will only help his chances.”

Two-time U.S Champion Paul Hamm is currently on top with a 57.700 score at the 2004 Visa U.S. Gymnastics Championships after the first round of competition at the Gaylord Entertainment Center.

"This competition is unbelievable when you consider the amount of talent that is present," Williams said. "All of these guys are at the top of their game and it is exciting to watch."

The top 30 all-around Jr. and Sr. athletes, in addition to qualified event specialists from the senior and junior divisions combined qualify to the all-around final on Friday, June 4.

In order to advance to the Olympic Trials, Henderson and Mueller will have to finish in the top eight in the all-around to compete in all six events at the trials or finish in the following four scenarios on Friday and become a specialist at the end of the month.

*Finish in the top two of five events to be a five-event qualifier.
*Finish in the top two of four events to be a four-event qualifier.
*Finish first in three events to be a three-event-qualifer.
*Finish first in two events to be a two-event qualifier.

Click Here for Friday's round by round results and more information on the U.S. Championships.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Henderson and Mueller Advance To Day Two: Young Withdraws

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