Hall of Fame
Maintained Northern Illinois national title legacy on pommel horse. Ruled NCAA Division I Championships with (1) (then) best PH finals score in history (9.95), (2) "10.0s" from two finals judges, (3) trademark high-scissor kick, and (4) 12-month work ethic. Defeated 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist Peter Vidmar (UCLA) and Tom Ladman (Penn State) both with 9.90 scores in NCAA finals (April 9, 1983). Known for multiple moves behind back on one pommel. Followed footsteps of NIU HOFer Mike Burke (NCAA pommel horse king in 1978 & 1979). Two-time All-America on apparatus and Academic All-America in classroom (1982-84). Posted 9.80 in finals and finished as NCAA runner-up to UCLA's Tim Daggett (9.90) as senior (April 14, 1984). Named finalist for Nissen Award as country's No. 1 male gymnast (1983-84). Participated in three straight NCAA Championships and placed ninth as soph (1981-82). Named NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship recipient (1983-84) and Second-Team CoSIDA Academic All-America twice (1982-84). Won specialty 28 times in 55 career appearances and 22 times in final 30 meets. Two-time NIU MVP (1982-84) and tri-captain (1983-84). Averaged 8.87 per meet in 1980-81, 9.53 in 1981-82, and 9.73 in 1982-83 and 1983-84. Won major titles at Windy City Invitational (1981, 1982), Midwest Open (1982), Chicagoland Invitational (1983, 1984), plus vs. Soviet Nationals (1982) and Japanese University All-Stars (1983). Graduated with five NIU records. Lettered four times twice on NIU NCAA team entries that placed sixth in 1981-82 and eighth in 1982-83. Earned four degrees. DeKalb High product.
