Hall of Fame
The original Huskie "Lord of the Rings." First in a long run of Northern Illinois All-America men's gymnasts. Came within fractions of winning school's first individual national gym title. Gained Division I All-America status for runner-up finish on still rings in 1974 NCAA Championships. Finished second at NCAA with 18.875 total score behind Iowa State's Keith Hoover (18.925). Tied Hoover with 9.60 score in NCAA finals and shared national lead with 9.20 in compulsory round on opening night (1974). Impressed judges with strong move from "L cross to L support" during finals. Qualified for two NCAA Championships in four Northern Illinois campaigns. Became school's best (then) major-college NCAA gymnastics finisher with eighth place on rings and 9.10 set as soph?two-tenths of a point from All-America and top six finalists (1972). Set (then) NIU record with 9.65 in finals and won NCAA Eastern Independent Qualifications rings title (18.90 total in 1974). Named team MVP as senior under Hall of Fame coach Chuck Ehrlich. Surpassed 9.40 score 18 times, averaged school-record 9.39 on specialty for season, and collected 12 firsts in 16 dual meets?including five blue ribbons vs. Big Ten Conference opposition (1973-74). Won National Compulsory Open and Illinois Open crowns in final year. Captured prestigious Midwest Open rings title as junior. Took five firsts in nine duals as soph and 11 in 14 duals as frosh. Won District rings crown and made IHSA state final 16 as senior at Palatine High (1970). Long-time coach at Maine West.
