Two Selected to U.S. National Team

Feb. 8, 2009

LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- The University of Oklahoma men's gymnastics program posted another impressive feat late Saturday night at the Winter Cup Challenge in Las Vegas, Nev. Following strong performances by senior co-captain Chris Brooks and sophomore Steven Legendre, the Sooners now have three members on the U. S. Senior National Team.

No other NCAA Division I men's gymnastics program has more members on Senior National Team than Oklahoma and this is most National Team members that the Sooners have had since 1994 (4).

Brooks finished fifth in the weekend competition and recorded a two-day total of 173.500. Posting an all-around score of 87.100 for the final night, the Houston, Texas, native improved on rings (14.300), vault (15.700), and parallel bars (14.800) to help his average.

"I'm thrilled for Chris because he worked so hard this summer to get to where he is at right now," said head coach Mark Williams.

After stronger scores in the final night of competition, Legendre finished seventh in the weekend competition and recorded a two-day total of 172.050. The Port Jefferson, N. Y., native improved his routine scores on floor (15.550), rings (14.750), and parallel bars (14.400) to finish the night with an all-around score of 87.650.

"After coming off a disappointing performance Thursday night it was great to have Steven do well tonight and make the team," added Williams. "I'm proud of these guys because of the way they came out and competed tonight."

Former Sooner Jonathan Horton, competed in only three events the final night. The Olympian earned a final score of 14.050 on rings, 13.950 on parallel bars and 14.200 on high bar.

Winter Cup Results: AA | FX | PH | SR | VT | PB | HB | Photo Gallery | Gymnastike | Winter Cup Interviews

Seven gymnasts were named to the U.S. Men's Senior National Team based on the national team points ranking system from the Winter Cup Challenge: Guillermo Alvarez of Denver/Minnesota Gymnastics; Chris Brooks of Houston, Texas/University of Oklahoma; Chris Cameron of Winter Haven, Fla./University of Michigan; Steven Legendre of Flower Mound, Texas/University of Oklahoma; Leyva; Nakamori; and Sender. 2008 Olympic team bronze-medalists Hagerty and Jonathan Horton of Houston/University of Oklahoma, were placed on the national team by petition. Six additional gymnasts will be named later to the team.

The 15 gymnasts named to the squad will comprise the U.S. Men's Senior National Team until the 2009 Visa Championships in August.

Oklahoma returns to team action on Feb. 21 against Iowa. The meet will get underway at 7 p.m. at the Howard McCasland Field House in Norman.

The Sooners' meet with the Hawkeyes marks "Cleveland Elementary Night." Students, parents and teachers will pack the Howard McCasland Field House as the annual event is part of a "Partners in Education" program with Cleveland Elementary.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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