March 24, 2002

Philadelphia, Penn. - Sophomore Matt Musielak led the charge for the University of Illinois at Chicago men's gymnastics team at the Eastern College Athletic Conference Championships on Saturday at Temple, as the Flames finished in fifth-place in the 11-team meet with a score of 202.95 at McGonigle Hall.

No.11 Temple won the meet with a score of 210.5, while ninth-ranked UMass was second at 208.2.

William & Mary (206.7) was next, followed by Navy (204.05), UIC, Army (200.65), Springfield (198.6), James Madison (192.675), Southern Connecticut (190.6), Vermont (163.15) and MIT (150.25).

The Flames improved one place from last year's sixth-place effort.

Musielak finished ninth in the all-around competition with a total of 50.6 to lead the Flames.

The event finals will be held on Sunday afternoon, with the top eight finishers from each of Saturday's events advancing to finals.

The following UIC athletes advanced to Sunday's finals: Matt Musielak on pommel horse (third, 9.25) and parallel bars (third, 8.6), Ambrose Jackson on high bar (second, 8.8), Neil Faustino on rings (9.0), Anthony Cirullo on vault (fourth, 9.35).

Event finals begin at 3:00 PM at McGonigle Hall on the campus of Temple University.