Feb. 2, 2001

Chicago, Ill. - The men's gymnastics team recorded its first win of the season with a 196.15-194.05 triumph over the Air Force Academy at the Physical Education Building on Friday.

While coach CJ Johnson appreciates the win, he is setting high standards for the Flames (1-1).

"Overall we are in a situation that the win is nice," Johnson said. "but we've got to get over 200 points somehow."

Johnson cited seniors Anthony Cirullo and Dave Johnson as the keys to Friday's victory. Cirullo recorded three top-three finishes on the floor exercise (9.00, 1st), vault (9.00, 2nd) and horizontal bar (8.00) while Johnson was first on the still rings (9.20) and second on the parallel bars (8.35).

"David Johnson's rings and Cirullo's floor were truly outstanding," Johnson said.

Johnson also received first-place finishes from junior Matthew Soucie and freshman Matt Musielak. Soucie recorded a season-high 9.20 on the vault while Musielak scored a career-high on the horizontal bar with a 8.45.

Johnson said that Friday's victory was a confidence builder for his squad.

"We came through as a group, which was really important," Johnson said.

The Flames will return to action on Sunday, February 2, 2001 as they will once again host the Air Force Academy in the Physical Education building at 2 PM>