May 28, 2002

Chicago, Ill. - The 2002 University of Illinois at Chicago women's gymnastics season is one that will go down in Flames' annals as a record-setting one, and recently the accomplishments of that squad were honored at a special awards banquet at Moretti's Restaurant.

Selected by co-head coaches Peter and Mary Jansson, the Most Valuable Gymnasts were senior Sara Casica and freshman Jennifer O'Neil.

Casica had the squad's best marks on beam (9.925), floor (9.925) and all-around (39.375) during the season on her way to All-State and All-Midwest Independent Conference honors.

O'Neil blasted onto the Flames' scene becoming one of UIC's most consistent athletes by season's end. O'Neil was also named to the All-State and All-Midwest Independent Conference team.

Casica was also acknowledged with the Most Consistent Beam award, as she finished with the team's highest percentage on the apparatus.

Classroom work was also appreciated at the banquet, as three gymnasts were recognized for their academic achievements.

Atlin Mitchell, Nadia Ori and Casica were named Scholastic All-Americans by the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastic Coaches (NACGC).

For Ori, it was her third appointment to the Scholastic All-American Team, while Casica garnered her second such honor. For Mitchell, it was her first time on the squad.