Jan. 7, 2001

UIC men's gymnastics coach "CJ" Johnson can breath easier knowing that Sunday's 33rd Annual Alumni meet was still a part of the Flames' preseason.

Johnson received solid performances from upperclassmen Anthony Cirullo and Frankie Pretzel as they led the UIC Red Team to a 188.450 to 175.900 victory over the UIC White team.

Cirullo garnered top honors on the floor exercise (8.750) and the vault (9.300) while Pretzel captured the horizontal bar title with a score of 7.900.

But it was the performance of his highly touted freshman class that bothered Johnson.

There were a few bright spots as freshmen Keyston Franklin (9.100, pommel horse) and David Livingston (8.500, parallel bars) each won titles.

But as a whole, Johnson was disappointed with the freshman class.

"The freshmen have got to step up," Johnson said. "I thought we looked better in practice than what we showed out there today."

Senior Dave Johnson led the White team with a win on the still rings (8.700).

Coach Johnson believes that there will be some changes in order for the highly prestigious Windy City Invitational next weekend.

"At the Windy City, we're going to be a different team," Johnson said. "I know that."