Hall of Fame
World-class athlete who parlayed high degree of difficulty, virtuosity, and sensational tumbling runs into 1984 NCAA floor exercise crown. Became fourth Northern Illinois individual and program's fifth NCAA men's gymnastics champ. Dethroned defending NCAA national floor ex kingpin Dave Branch of Arizona with school-record 9.90 score in prelims and 9.85 in national finals (a perfect 10, plus a 9.90, and two 9.80s) and incorporated "Ekberg Fling" (double-back punch front and back flip off double-back) into routine. Two-time National Association of College Gymnastics Coaches All-America (1981-82, 1983-84) and three-time NCAA Championships qualifier (1982-84). Commented Northern Illinois Hall of Fame gym boss Chuck Ehrlich: "People could not believe the height of his tumbling passes (and)...being able to connect four movements in one pass...normally everyone else has just one." Gained NACGC All-America status as true frosh by tying for sixth in NCAA floor ex with 9.55 in finals, plus finished ninth in vault with another 9.55 (1982). Qualified for NCAA as soph, but placed 27th with 9.40 score (1983). Posted 21 career first-place finishes (19 in floor ex and two in vaulting). Won floor ex nine times--including vs. Big ten foes Penn State, Minnesota, Illinois, and Wisconsin (1983-84). Earned 9.95 in FX exhibition vs. Japan All-Stars (1983-84). Lettered three times (1981-84) and competed on two NCAA Championships team qualifiers (1981-82, 1982-83). Two-time Gold Medalist in power tumbling at World Acrobatic Games (1980, 1982). Belvidere High Product
