Vol. 1 No. 1 October 2, 1997

PRESEASON HERE FOR THE FLAMES

UIC MEN'S GYMNASTICS

Shannon Welker

1998 Student Assistant Coach

Shannon Welker turned in his gymnastics talents of the past four years to assist the Men's Gymnastics team. Shannon is an exercise physiology major that will graduate this Spring. His future plans are to enter graduate school upon graduation. Shannon was the first four year qualifier to the NCAA National Meet. His junior year he was an All American on FX placing third. Not only a great gymnasts and leader for the Flames Shannon lead his teammates in the class room as well! He will be a very important part of the program developing the younger gymnasts.

Flames Welcome TEN New Flames

UIC is happy to announce the eight young athletes to the 1998 Roster. Newcomers are local standout Dave Johnson from St. Rita High School. Dave was the Illinois High School State Champion on Still rings a year ago. During the Jr. Windy City last season he suffered a ACL injury that held him out of last season. He is rehabilitating well and will be a positive addition to the program.

Jared Grodt from Columbus Gymnastics Academy comes from Westerville, OH. Jared is a strong competitor from the Region 5 where he placed 8th last year. His strongest events are FX, V and PB.

Auburn, IN is home of Nathan Beaty-Banks. Nate has only been in the sport for three years. He comes to UIC with some very impressive skills on FX and V. He definitely will fill the void of Student assistant coach Shannon Welker past years performances. Does Beaty have the ability to be an All America, YES!!!

Mundelein High School seniors Chris Coorlim a PH specialist and Scott Farner a multiple event competitor join the program as walk ons. Walk on or not these two athletes can help the UIC cause in future years!

A strong second pommel horse man joined the team this year through Lake Park High School Chintan Thakkar. Chintan was a qualifier at last year's State meet as all the Illinois walk on's. He has great swing but lacks strength presently.

Chris Stevens the first gymnast to come to UIC from Ed Raymond's Conant team will enter on FX.

Last but not least, Jr. Mike Bush transferred from the USMA and Northbrook Training Center. Before transferring, Mike was a large part to the USMA program. Not only did his skill level boost the "Black Knights" but his leadership qualities also pushed Army forward. He will be a very large positive on pommel horse for the Flames this year!

Our last two rookies come from Lincolnway and coach Skip Adamson. Both Bill Callo and Frankie Pretzel were members of last year's Third place State meet. Pretzel and Callo are both all arounder's.

UIC is also happy to welcome Jeannine Oakes to the team. Jeannine has volunteered as a manager for the team and will prove to be a big help this year!

Home Schedule Set

The Flames will open the 1998 Season with their traditional unofficial meet schedule on December 6th.

12/6 Mixed Pairs at 2:00 PM

1/11 ALUMNI MEET at 2:00 PM

Official Home schedule is as follows:

1/17 WINDY CITY 6:00 PM

1/25 MICHIGAN ST 7:00 PM (co-ed)

2/21 MICHIGAN 2:00 PM

98 Team Captains Elected

Team members elected Tri-captains for 98! Charlie Nelson was elected his second consecutive term as captain. Joining Charlie are the two Floridian's Justin Joyce and Jody Liebler. Each of these team members are a great addition to the program.

They've Gone "Hall" the way!

We would like to honor those that have given their hearts and soul to the sports of gymnastics in life and at UIC. Welcome the members to the UIC Hall of Fame for GYMNASTICS.....

IRV BEDARD

HAROLD FREY

BEN MONTCALM

TED MUZYCZKO

WM. ROETZHEIM

ART SHURLOCK

WILLIAM SIMMS

THOMAS WALTHOUSE

CHUCK WANNER

1978 & 1979 NCAA DIV. II

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

TEAM

LADY FLAMES

DIANA SEPKE & LORI SMUDA



HALL OF FAME DINNER

50 years of UIC Athletics will mark this year's Hall of Fame Dinner. The dinner will be held at the Stadium Club at Cumiskey Park on November 22nd. This will be in conjunction with UIC Homecoming Weekend. This will be a weekend full of UIC Sports legends.

Celebration dinner will not only acknowledge this year's Hall of Fame inductees, but our one and only Men's Gymnastics Coach "CJ" Johnson will be honored with Carol Humble as Award recipients. Johnson will be honored for his years at UIC, the teams years of success and for his years of dedication to the growth of UIC's Athletic program.

50 years of Athletic growth will also be recognized as "CJ" accepts an award on behalf of all the great coaches that have served in UIC's 50 year's of development.

Any interested friends, family and alumni members that wish to attend please call Sara at (312) 996-5633 or "CJ" to reserve your ticket(s)!! This affair is quickly filling up so make that call!

Sadness Affects UIC Alumni Member

Sherry Blackburn, Nate Blackburn's mother passed away after a long strong fight with cancer. Nate had chose to stay with his family in Bloomfield Hills, MI. to assist his family a year ago. Things appeared to be on the upswing for Sherry, however, there was a bad turn. She passed away on September 22 peacefully. Everyone sends their blessing and positive thoughts to the entire Blackburn family.



Blessings of Disguise

Gareth Robinson recently left the area for Seattle, WA working in computer technology.

Chase Penny is in Hollywood beginning his new career as a stuntman as well as coaching Gymnastics at a local club.

Barry McDonald recently was promoted to Regional Director of Phillip Morris Company effective in January.

Chris Summer has retired from the Air Force. He'll be relocating in Texas where he will be selling annuities and retirement perks.

Sue Henry moved to Bollingbrook, IL.

Chris Barajas, is working on his MBA. And Tore his Achilles Tendon playing FOOTBALL!!!

Steve Krause is ALIVE just being anti-social living in Des Moines, Washington. This is for those who has not heard from him. Thank you Matt Krause for the info on Steve!!!

Steve Fox's Log Cabin construction tops out the Midwest Builders.



Golf Outing a Success

A Special Thanks to Barry McDonald for all his efforts to produce another Great time for all participants at this summers Golf Outing!

NOTE WORTHY NEWS

IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING THEN PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE OR WRITE. GOOD LUCK & BYE-BYE

Grad. School position offered at James Madison Univ.

Local Gym Clubs dying for Coaches if interested call "CJ" at (312) 996-5614