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1997-98 MEET RESULTS

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"CJ" Johnson

Head Men's Gymnastics Coach

The Flames, who finished 0-8 overall last season, proved that once again with victories over a number of tough Midwestern opponents while also sending two gymnasts to the NCAA Championships, Shannon Welker and Chase Penny. Both will return this season, giving Johnson the experienced leadership he needs. The Flames also equaled four team records and 39 individual career marks were set or tied.

As one of the top gymnastics coaches in the country, Johnson has also gained notoriety from the national gymnastics community and in 1995, was named as the Coach of the Year for the Mideast region.

Johnson's early UIC squad's were among the finest in NCAA Division II competition, winning national titles in both 1978 and 1979. His teams have done very well since reaching NCAA Division I status in 1979-80 as they gave Johnson his 100th win on March 13, 1992 against San Jose State. UIC's 8-7 record last season boosted its overall record in the last 14 years to an impressive 114-87 mark.

The success Johnson has enjoyed has been recognized throughout the country. The 1972 graduate received one of gymnastics' most prestigious awards for his accomplishments and dedication to the sport. At the 1990 National Congress in New Orleans, the United States Gymnastics Federation rewarded him with its "Distinguished Service" Award. This honor is second only to the USGF's "Coach of the Year" Award. Johnson is also the President of the newly founded National College Gymnastics Association

His national championship teams also brought him two consecutive NCAA Division II "Coach of the Year" Awards. He has been named Mideast Region "Coach of the Year" on four different occasions, first in 1980, when his team was 10th in the nation, and again in 1988, 1994, and after last season.

Johnson's gymnastics expertise extends beyond just the UIC program. In 1978, he was selected by the NCAA to coach the USA All-Star Team that competed in Mexico City, and a year later, he traveled to Budapest, Hungary to coach the USA Men's Gymnastics Team at the Hungarian Invitational. Johnson also served as head coach of the East Region Team at the 1987 U.S. Olympic Festival and four years ago, he was selected to work with the coaching staff of the Irish National Team as a clinician and lecturer which resulted in his appointment as head coach of that squad. His international experience includes his appointment and selection as an international clinician to Costa Rica by the United States Olympic Committee and the United States Gymnastics Federation

Johnson's gymnastics foundation began in 1960's as a competitor at the club, high school, and college level. The high bar and vaulting events were his specialty, although he competed as an all-arounder.

He began his coaching career at Proviso West High School where he produced three high school All-Americans.

Johnson and his wife, Jean, have two daughters, Katie and Renee' reside in LaGrange.

Men's Gymnastics Coaching Staff

Sean Grosvenor, Jody Raymond, Carey Reddick

TEAM RECORDS!

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The Men of UIC Gymnastics

Michael BushNick BeckerMichael D'Antino Chris CoorlimJared Grodt Chris Stevens David Johnson Mike CrissieScott Farner Frankie Pretzel Anthony CirulloMathew Soucie Creig FinleyGreg GabelJeremy Illenberger Justin Joyce Robert HoffJeremy KoonceJody Leibler Charles Nelson Jason Orna Carey ReddickToby vanAmerongenJeannine Oakes-manager Mason VernonBill CalloGreg PeckJoe StanfaErin Willingham

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This page was co-created by:

Peter M. Sourek, "CJ" Johnson, and Peter Jansson

INITIAL DESIGN by BRIAN DASTUR