2008 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS EIGHT-TIME NATIONAL CHAMPS - 2008 | 2006 | 2005 | 2003 |2002 | 1991 | 1978 | 1977

The Oklahoma men’s program is based on a foundation of compete at World Championships, Olympic Games or other international competitions is excellence and continues to build on our rich tradition that includes also part of our responsibility. eight NCAA team championships. Our team is made up of student-

athletes who are willing to persevere in times of adversity and work Inspiring student-athletes to compete at the highest levels in all that they do – that’s what WELCOME MEN’S GYMNASTICS | OKLAHOMA hard every day with an unbending will to prepare. we aspire to achieve at Oklahoma.

Whether it’s striving for success in the classroom or on the competition Mark Williams | Head Coach | Men’s Gymnastics floor, our team members always capitalize on the opportunities in front of them. Through dedication to the schedule and plan, commitment to a refinement of the details and putting action to that preparation, excellent results have followed.

At Oklahoma we provide the avenues to reach the highest goals in the sport. Our collegiate team results in the past eight years are unprecedented. Providing athletes a chance to

THERE’S ONLY ONE OKLAHOMA 2008 National Champions

2009 MEDIA GUIDE GUIDE DESIGN EDITORIAL ASSISTANCE The 2009 Men’s Gymnastics Media Brian Dude, Matt Wilson, Craig Moran Craig Moran, Assistant Director of Media Relations, and Guide was designed and produced by the Oklahoma Debbie Copp, Director of Publications Athletics Department in Norman, Okla., using Adobe InDesign and Adobe Photoshop. WRITERS Matt Wilson, Brian Dude PHOTOGRAPHY The University of Oklahoma is an equal Shevaun Williams and Associates, Jerry Laizure, Jackson Laizure, Lisa Hall, Mark Selders, Steve Lange, Xifan Liu, opportunity institution (December 2008). COVER DESIGN Max Morse, Nihal Mahawedge, Ty Russell, Kyle Terada, Scott Matthews, Director of Graphic Design NCAA Gymnastics and OU Athletics Media Relations files DISTRIBUTION A total of 500 copies of the 2009 OU Men’s Gymnastics Media Guide were printed by Transcript Press and distrib- INTERIOR LAYOUT Matt Wilson, Brian Dude uted at no cost to the taxpayers of the state of Oklahoma. Nike is the official footwear and apparel supplier and sponsor of the University of Oklahoma men’s gymnastics program.

SOONERSPORTS.COM 1 2008 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS EIGHT-TIME NATIONAL CHAMPS - 2008 | 2006 | 2005 | 2003 |2002 | 1991 | 1978 | 1977

The 2008 national championship was the Sooners’ fifth championship in the last seven years and the eighth in program history

OKLAHOMA MEN’S GYMNASTICS GYMNASTICS STAFF...... 31 2008 SEASON REVIEW...... 59 Welcome/Credits...... 1 Head Coach Mark Williams...... 32 Season In Review...... 60 Table of Contents...... 2 Asst. Coach Rustam Sharipov...... 36 Highlights...... 61 OKLAHOMA OF CONTENTS MEN’S GYMANSTICS | TABLE Quick Facts...... 3 Asst. Coach Daniel Furney...... 37 Scrapbook...... 62 On Campus...... 4 Gymnastics Support Staff...... 38 Meet Results...... 64 Student Life...... 5 President David L. Boren...... 39 MPSF Championship...... 65 Excellence...... 8 Joe Castiglione...... 40 NCAA Championship...... 66 OU Tradition...... 10 Athletics Administration...... 41 Sooner Spirit...... 12 Head Coaches...... 42 Media Spotlight...... 14 GYMNASTICS TRADITION.....67 Sports Medicine...... 15 Program History...... 68 Norman/OKC/Tulsa...... 16 SOONER GYMNASTS...... 43 Coaching History...... 69 Gymnastics Facilities...... 18 Chris Brooks...... 44 National Championships...... 70 Maps & Directions...... 20 Garrett Carr...... 45 Nissen Emery Award...... 74 SoonerSports.com...... 21 Russell Czeschin...... 46 Record Book...... 76 Community Service...... 22 Corey English...... 47 Individual National Champions...... 78 Ian Jackson...... 48 All-Americans...... 80 Jason Laughton...... 49 Conference Champions...... 81 2009 SEASON PREVIEW...... 23 Steven Legendre...... 50 Letterwinners...... 82 Outlook/Event Breakdown...... 24 Kyle McNamara...... 51 International Success...... 84 Rosters...... 26 Jacob Messina...... 52 Schedule...... 27 Reed Pitts...... 53 Spectator’s Guide to Gymnastics...... 28 C.J. Grimes...... 54 Media Relations...... 29 Bobby Shortle...... 55 Opponents...... 30 Chad Crumley...... 56 David Finning...... 56 Ben Mayer...... 57 Troy Nitzky...... 57 Pat Piscitelli...... 58 Team Poll...... 58

2 2009 OKLAHOMA MEN’S GYMNASTICS MEDIA GUIDE 2008 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS EIGHT-TIME NATIONAL CHAMPS - 2008 | 2006 | 2005 | 2003 |2002 | 1991 | 1978 | 1977

OKLAHOMA ATHLETICS TEAM INFORMATION 2008 Overall Record...... 28-1 (.966) The mission of the University of Oklahoma Department of Athletics is to inspire champions High Score...... 364.600 today and prepare leaders for tomorrow by providing an excellent environment to enable NCAA Finish...... First QUICK FACTS MEN’S GYMNASTICS | OKLAHOMA student-athletes to achieve their highest academic, athletic and personal aspirations. MPSF Finish...... First Letterwinners Returning/Lost...... 11/3 CORE VALUES All-Americans Returning/Lost...... 8/3 Our individual talents and collective efforts create our competitive advantage. COACHING STAFF • Integrity Head Coach...... Mark Williams • Passion for Excellence Year...... 10th Season • Commitment Alma Mater...... Nebraska, 1980 • Respect and Responsibility for Self and Others Record at OU...... 223-18 (.925) • Appreciation for and Encouragement of Gender and Cultural Diversity Career Record...... 223-18 (.925) Assistant Coach...... Rustam Sharipov Year...... Fourth Season GENERAL INFORMATION Alma Mater...... Kharkov State, 1997 Location...... Norman, Okla. Enrollment...... 29,721 Assistant Coach...... Daniel Furney Founded...... 1890 Year...... Fourth Season President...... David L. Boren Alma Mater ...... Oklahoma, 2004 Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics/AD...... Joe Castiglione Nickname...... Sooners Men’s Gymnastics Office Phone...... (405) 325-8349 Colors...... Crimson & Cream Men’s Gymnastics Office Fax...... (405) 325-7485 Conference...... Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) Arena (s)...... Howard McCasland Field House (2,300) MEN’S GYMNASTICS SUPPORT STAFF (12,000) Academic Counselor...... Annette Moran OU All-Time Record...... 521-165-1 (.758) Athletic Trainer ...... Josh Agee Marketing...... Ashley Gloystein Graduate Manager...... Jamie Henderson Media Relations Contact...... Matt Wilson

2008 National Champs meet President George W. Bush at the White House

TEAM INFORMATION SOONERSPORTS.COM 3 2008 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS EIGHT-TIME NATIONAL CHAMPS - 2008 | 2006 | 2005 | 2003 |2002 | 1991 | 1978 | 1977

The South Oval of the University of Oklahoma Norman campus

DAVID L. BOREN JOE CASTIGLIONE University President Director of Athletics

The University of Oklahoma is truly a great university. It is becoming a pacesetter for public higher education in the United States. We must no longer keep the university’s WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT OU?

Oklahoma men’s gymansticsOklahoma men’s | on campus excellence a secret! It’s time for us to let others know about the strengths of our university and our determination to make it even better. • OU ranks number one in the nation among all public universities in the number of National Merit Scholars enrolled per capita.

• The Princeton Review ranks OU among the best in the nation in terms of academic excellence and cost for students. University of Oklahoma President David L. Boren • OU’s 2008-2009 freshman class is the highest ranked freshman class at a public university in state history.

OVERVIEW • OU has over a $1.5 billion impact on the state’s economy each year.

• OU ranks first in the Big 12 and at the top in the nation in international reciprocal Created by the Oklahoma Territorial Legislature in 1890, the University of Oklahoma exchange agreements with universities around the world. The University has 174 student is a doctoral degree-granting research university serving the educational, cultural, exchange agreements with universities in 66 countries. More than 1,500 students from economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. almost 100 countries are enrolled on OU’s Norman campus.

The Norman campus serves as home to all of the university’s academic programs • OU produced its 27th Rhodes Scholar last year ranking it highly among public institutions except health-related fields. Both the Norman and Health Sciences Center colleges nationwide in the total number of Rhodes Scholars. offer programs at the Schusterman Center, the site of OU-Tulsa. • OU is among the top universities in the nation in Goldwater Scholarship for math and science winners, with 12 in the past four years. The OU Health Sciences Center, which is located in Oklahoma City, is one of only • OU is one of the few public universities in the nation to cap the class size of first-year four comprehensive academic health centers in the nation with seven professional English composition courses at no more than 19 students as well as all Honors courses. colleges. • The Joe C. and Carole Kerr McClendon Honors College at OU is the largest honors program OU enrolls more than 30,000 students, has more than 2,300 full-time faculty among public universities in the United States. Almost 2,900 students participate in small members, and has 20 colleges offering 158 majors at the baccalaureate level, Honors seminar classes. 166 majors at the master’s level, 81 majors at the doctoral level, 26 majors at the doctoral professional level, and 24 graduate certificates. The university’s annual • OU ranks in the top 10 in the nation among most wired colleges, one of only a few operating budget is $1.46 billion. universities to achieve the ranking two years in a row.

• OU’s business entrepreneurship program ranks among the 10 best in the United States. The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. • OU’s Campaign for Scholarships has allowed the university to double new scholarships for students in just four years.

• The Campaign for Scholarships is continuing, and in March 2008 surpassed its goal of raising $100 million for endowed scholarships. To date, almost $115 million in scholarship endowments have been donated or pledged.

2009 OKLAHOMA MEN’S GYMNASTICS MEDIA GUIDE 4 2008 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS EIGHT-TIME NATIONAL CHAMPS - 2008 | 2006 | 2005 | 2003 |2002 | 1991 | 1978 | 1977

Location...... Norman, Okla. Norman Campus Employees...... 11,641 Founded...... 1890 Full-time Staff...... 4,137 President...... David L. Boren Part-time Employees...... 4,176 Part-time Staff...... 804

Total enrollment...... 29,931 Part-time Student Employees...... 3,170 MEN’S GYMNASTICS ON CAMPUS | OKLAHOMA Norman campus Programs...... 26,219 Temporary Employees...... 202 Health Sciences Center Programs...... 3,757 OU-Tulsa Programs...... 1,374 HSC Campus Norman On-campus Students...... 23,126 Full-time Faculty ...... 999 College of Law On-campus Students...... 514 Part-time Faculty...... 281 HSC On-campus Students...... 2,688 Full-time Staff...... 3,268 Continuing Education (Outreach)...... 2,878 Part-time Staff...... 261 Liberal Studies (Outreach)...... 978 Residents...... 661 HSC Off-campus Students...... 321 Student Employees...... 387 Minority Student Enrollment...... 6,621 Part-time Student Assistants...... 73 International Student Enrollment...... 1,526 Average Composite ACT Score for Entering Freshmen...... 25.6 University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Full-Time Faculty...... 1,368 Prospective Student Services Instructional Faculty...... 1,136 550 Parrington Oval Researchers...... 196 Norman, OK 73019-3032 Deans and Associate Deans...... 36 Phone...... (405) 325-2151 Norman Campus Part-Time Faculty...... 289 Toll Free...... (800) 234-6868 Instructional Faculty...... 257 E-mail...... [email protected] Researchers...... 32 Norman Campus Graduate Assistants...... 1,671 University Web Site...... www.ou.edu Graduate Teaching Assistants...... 898 Athletics Web Site...... www.SoonerSports.com Graduate Research Assistants...... 773 Bizzell Library in winter

• OU is one of only 25 public universities in America with an endowment above $1.1 billion • Set to open in 2010, the OU Cancer Institute is on track to become Oklahoma’s first and and has increased from 100 to 539, the number of endowed faculty positions in the past 13 only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. Achieving this years, demonstrating a strong commitment to excellence. designation, the gold standard for cancer research and care in the United States, means that Oklahomans will no longer need to travel 450 miles out of state for comprehensive, state-of- • OU continues to break private fund-raising records, with more than $1.4 billion in gifts the-art cancer care. and pledges since 1994, which has provided funding for dramatic capital improvements, the growth in faculty endowment and student scholarships. • The University of Oklahoma has established a comprehensive diabetes center with operations on the OU campuses in Oklahoma City and Tulsa to provide statewide leadership • OU has the academically highest ranked student body at a public university in Oklahoma. in diabetes treatment, research, prevention, information, education and awareness. The Harold Hamm Oklahoma Diabetes Center provides access to the latest developments in • Since 1994, research and sponsored programs expenditures at OU have more than diabetes care and management through the clinical trials hosted by the center. doubled, and OU continues to set new records for funding for externally sponsored research. OU ended FY 2008 with total expenditures of more than $275 million.

• The OU Health Sciences Center in FY 2008 continued its impressive rate of research growth by achieving more than $141 million in federal, state, corporate and nonprofit or foundation grants and contracts. Funding from the National Institutes of Health – considered to be the gold standard for research – was $51 million.

• Since 1995, almost $1.5 billion in construction projects have been completed, are under way or are forthcoming on OU’s three campuses, the largest of which is the $67 million .

• OU is home to one of the two largest natural history museums in the world associated with a university. The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History has more than 7 million artifacts and contains 195,000 square feet on 40 acres of land. The museum exhibits include the largest Apatosaurus on display in the world and the oldest work of art ever found in North America — a lightning bolt painted on an extinct bison skull.

• The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art’s collections total more than 10,000 works of art, including OU’s Weitzenhoffer Collection of French Impressionism, the single most important gift of art ever given to a U.S. public university; the Adkins Collection, among the most important private collections in the nation of works by the Taos artists as well as Native American works of art; the former U.S. State Department Embassy art collection; and the Dorothy Dunn collection of Native American art.

• OU’s Western History Collection is one of the largest collections in the world of documents and photographs, including a rare multivolume portfolio on the Indians of the United States and Alaska by Edward S. Curtis.

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PRENTICE GAUTT ACADEMIC CENTER PRENTICE GAUTT In the 1950s, he came to OU to play football, and, in the process, broke down barriers and crushed stereotypes. Today, OU student-athletes use the Prentice Gautt Academic 1938-2005 Center to break another kind of stereotype. The center that today’s student-athletes use everyday now bears the name of the man who left an indelible legacy for Sooner Athletics and helped change a society in the process. In 1956, Prentice Gautt became the first African-American football player to play for the University of Oklahoma. The formal dedication of the Prentice Gautt Academic Center was held Friday, Sept. 17, 1999. The proposal to re-name the center was approved by the OU Board of Regents in Under the tutelage of legendary coach Bud Wilkinson, Gautt starred at running back, March 1999. becoming a two-time All-Big Eight player and the 1959 Orange Bowl MVP. He also earned Academic All-America honors as a senior. “It is appropriate that this center be named after Prentice Gautt,” OU President David L. Boren said. “His personal values and character, along with his leadership as associate After playing professionally, Gautt coached football at Missouri while earning his Ph.D. in commissioner of the , continue to bring pride to his alma mater. philosophy. His personal example of quiet courage, grace under pressure, and dedication to the university helped open the doors of opportunity for countless number of African- He then started a career in athletics administration as an associate comissioner with the Big American and minority student-athletes who have followed him into collegiate Eight Conference and as a special assistant to the comissioner of the Big 12 Conference. athletics.” Gautt, who died in March 2005, received posthumously the 2005 Outstanding Contributor The professional consultants of the Prentice Gautt Academic Center help student- to Amateur Football Award given by the National Football Foundation and College Hall of athletes with a variety of academic tasks, from learning strategy instruction to any stage Fame. of the writing process including preparing for an essay exam and the formal research paper.

The goal is to help student-athletes develop the strategies they need to be successful KERR CAREER CENTER by encouraging the use of the center for all facets of the learning and writing processes encountered in college. OKLAHOMA MEN’S GYMANSTICS | STUDENT LIFE Whether student-athletes are freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors or graduates, they will benefit from the services of the Kerr Career Center. It provides a system of services that The Prentice Gautt Academic Center provides student-athletes with a state-of-the-art educates and guides students through the career development process. academic support facility. The environment encourages a collaboration between staff members and student-athletes. In addition, it is highly conducive to learning in all areas The Career Center is dedicated to helping students make the transition from college to of students’ academic endeavors and features seven learning centers. career by developing an individualized career plan where they gather information to assist in making a decision about a career; obtain information on the suitable career list; explore Located on the second and third floors in the north end of the Gaylord Family - classes and publications in the field as well as obtain experience; and gain knowledge and Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, the Academic Center houses Academic Counseling offices, skills necessary for résumé writing, job-related letter writing and interviewing techniques. and Learning and Skill Development centers including the Kerr Foundation Computer Center, the Thompson Writing Center and centers for communication, reading, study The Career Center is a link with the campus Careers Services Office and offers student- skills, math and foreign language as well as learning enhancement and study areas. athletes a wide array of effective job hunting skills, training and career services.

Student-athletes at work in the Kerr Foundation Computer Centerr

6 2009 OKLAHOMA MEN’S GYMNASTICS MEDIA GUIDE 2008 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS EIGHT-TIME NATIONAL CHAMPS - 2008 | 2006 | 2005 | 2003 |2002 | 1991 | 1978 | 1977 KERR FOUNDATION COMPUTER CENTERS STUDY SKILL CENTERS

In the 21st century, computers have become an integral part of the learning experience. If students have trouble with assigned textbook readings or studying, the Reading and Study MEN’S GYMNASTICS LIFE | OKLAHOMA STUDENT Students need access to computers and their resources almost daily. The Kerr Foundation Skills Center can help. It provides reading and studying techniques and instructs how to make Computer Centers are here to meet these technological needs. We provide each student direct applications to current resources. Consultation, computer-assisted instruction, tutoring with the equipment and support necessary to succeed. and independent activities are available. The computer center is housed within the Prentice Gautt Academic Center and houses nearly 200 computers available exclusively to our student-athletes. UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS Students also enjoy a large amount of storage space on our athletic network. Laptop computers are checked out to students when the computer center is unavailable. This College of Architecture Michael F. Price College allows access to our network and resources 24 hours a day. The laptop program is very Architecture of Business Weitzenhoffer Family important in helping athletes stay on top of their schoolwork when traveling. Construction Science Accounting College of Fine Arts Environmental Design Economics Art Interior Design Energy Management Art History Group training is provided for all new student-athletes during the first week of supervised Entrepreneurship Dance study. This helps familiarize each student with our resources and procedures. Individual College of Arts and & Venture Management Media training sessions are available to each student and lab technicians are always on hand to Sciences Finance Music help. African & African-American Human Resources Music Education Studies Management Musical Theatre The Kerr Foundation Computer Center has been a model for other universities around Anthropology International Business Performance the country. We plan on being a leader in the future as well. Upgrades are scheduled A&S Planned Program Management Studio Arts annually and there is a deep commitment from the Athletics Department ensures that the Astronomy Management Information Theatre excellence in the computer center will continue for a long time. Astrophysics Systems Visual Communications Biochemistry Marketing Botany Supply Chain Management Gaylord College of Chemistry Journalism and Mass Chinese College of Continuing Advertising KERR FOREIGN LANGUAGE CENTERS Classics Education Broadcasting & Electronic Communication Aviation Media Economics Professional Studies Journalism To assist you in speaking, listening, reading and writing in other languages, the Kerr English Professional Writing Foundation Foreign Language Center offers a multimedia environment that provides Ethics and Religion College of Earth and Public Relations instruction in all foreign languages and in English as a second language. On an individual Film and Video Studies Energy basis, students have the option of working with computers, audio-visual equipment and French Environmental Geology College of Liberal tutors in order to enhance their language experience. German Geology Studies Health & Exercise Science Geophysics Liberal Studies History Paleontology Human Relations Petroleum Engineering COMMUNICATIONS CENTER Information Studies Petroleum Geology International & Area Studies Letters College of Education Linguistics Early Childhood Education This academic center focuses on developing communication and public speaking skills for Mathematics Elementary Education student-athletes. The state-of-the-art center, coordinated by a broadcast professional, Microbiology Foreign Language builds strong media relations skills through the use of video equipment. Native American Studies Education Philosophy Language Arts Education Physics Mathematics Education Political Science Science Education MATH CENTER Psychology Social Studies Education Public Affairs & Special Education Administration If performing math functions is a problem, the solution is the Math Center. As a Religious Studies College of Engineering supplement to class instruction, the Math Center provides all levels of math computations, Russian Aerospace Engineering concepts and problems to help students review course material. In addition, it offers Social Work Architectural Engineering personal and group tutoring sessions to assist with math assignments. Sociology Chemical Engineering Sociology - Criminology Civil Engineering Spanish Computer Engineering THOMPSON WRITING CENTER Women’s Studies Computer Science Zoology Electrical Engineering Engineering Physics Because learning and writing are essential life long skills which can always be College of Atmospheric Environmental Engineering strengthened, the Writing Center offers personalized instruction to student-athletes who and Geographic Sciences Environmental Science seek assistance in refreshing, reviewing, or improving these skills. The Thompson Writing Geography Industrial Engineering Center offers a dynamic, positive atmosphere to help student-athletes generate ideas and Meteorology Information Techonology strategies for writing assignments. Consultants help student-athletes organize papers, Mechanical Engineering review grammatical basics, develop proofreading and library research skills, and design résumés. SOONERSPORTS.COM 7 2008 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS EIGHT-TIME NATIONAL CHAMPS - 2008 | 2006 | 2005 | 2003 |2002 | 1991 | 1978 | 1977

2007 Big 12 Championship title game in San Antonio, Texas

Oklahoma witnessed tremendous athletics achievement in the last year, including one national championship and several other teams earning either regular season or post season confer- ence championships. The following is a brief review of the success enjoyed by the Sooners in the 2007-2008 academic year..

FOOTBALL BASEBALL

The accomplishments were impressive, but the circumstances easily trumped the accom- In 2008, head coach Sunny Golloway led the OU baseball team into the championship plishments. In 2007, Oklahoma won its fifth Big 12 Football Championship and became round of an NCAA Regional for the third time in his four years at the helm. The Sooners the first program to win the crown in back-to-back seasons. No other league member can advanced to their 31st NCAA Tournament after a strong finish to the season which included OKLAHOMA MEN’S GYMANSTICS | EXCELLENCE make similar claims. But as is often the case in intercollegiate athletics it was the particu- an appearance in the Big 12 Championship where OU was one game away from playing lars leading up to the pinnacle that made the season so special. Linebacker Curtis Lofton for the conference title. OU was one of four Big 12 schools to advance to the final game of and offensive guard Duke Robinson both earned consensus All-America honors to become NCAA Regional play. Three Sooners, Aljay Davis, Aaron Baker and Mike Gosse, were named the 143rd and 144th All-Americans in school history. Oklahoma won 11 or more games for the seventh time in Bob Stoops’ nine seasons. The head coach finished the season with a to the All-Tournament team, giving OU 13 regional honorees since Golloway took over at career mark of 97-22. the end of the 2005 season. MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY What a difference a year and a McDonald’s All-American make. After posting a 16-15 Jessica Eldridge closed out her impressive OU cross country career with a fourth consecu- record in 2006-07 and missing the postseason for the first time since 1981, men’s basket- tive trip to the NCAA Cross Country Championships. Eldridge completed her cross country ball in 2007-08 returned to a familiar destination – the NCAA Tournament. Behind a first eligibility as just the sixth woman in OU history to earn All-America honors after finishing team All-Big 12 performance from freshman forward Blake Griffin, head coach Jeff Capel’s 18th in the 2006 NCAA Cross Country Championships. Eldridge was named to the 2007 Sooners posted a 23-12 overall record, finished in fourth place in the conference race and Division I Midwest All-Region Cross Country team along with sophomore Jon Grey and participated in the program’s 21st NCAA Tournament in the past 26 years (only six schools freshman Kevin Schwab after the trio recorded top-25 finishes in the NCAA Midwest have made more appearances during the span). Regional. All scoring Sooner men finished in the top 50 at the NCAA Midwest Regional as the team finished fifth. MEN’S GOLF WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Nine of the 10 roster spots on the 2007-08 men’s golf squad were filled by underclass- men, yet eighth-year head coach Jim Ragan led the Sooners to nine top-10 finishes and The University of Oklahoma women’s basketball team finished the 2007-08 season with a spot in the NCAA West Regional to close the season. The squad concluded the 2007-08 a 22-9 overall record, a No. 19 ranking and a 10th straight postseason appearance. OU season with a 13th-place finish at the NCAA West Regional in Bremerton, Wash. The reached the NCAA Tournament for the ninth straight year, defeating Illinois State to Sooners narrowly missed a berth in the NCAA Championships, finishing just four strokes advance past the first round for the third straight year. Head coach Sherri Coale earned her behind Pepperdine. 250th win as the Sooners’ head coach and became the Big 12 leader in coaching victories and winning percentage during the year. Courtney Paris earned consensus All-America honors for a third straight season, becoming the first Sooner to do so, and was named the Big 12’s Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.

8 2009 OKLAHOMA MEN’S GYMNASTICS MEDIA GUIDE 2008 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS EIGHT-TIME NATIONAL CHAMPS - 2008 | 2006 | 2005 | 2003 |2002 | 1991 | 1978 | 1977

TRACK & FIELD WOMEN’S GOLF EXCELLENCE | OKLAHOMA MEN’S GYMNASTICS EXCELLENCE | OKLAHOMA The 2008 Oklahoma track and field season marked the third under head coach Martin When all was said and done, the 2007-08 Sooners had captured three tournament Smith and the third year of continued growth, both on the track and off the track. The championships and qualified for the NCAA West Regional, their first appearance in the Sooners reached the double-digit mark in All-America honors with six coming at the NCAA Regional Championships since 2004. Kendall Dye, Kelly Jacques and Sydney Lee NCAA Outdoor Championships and four at the NCAA Indoor Championships. Two of the All- were named to the Academic All-Big 12 first team as well. It marked the third consecutive Americans, Shardae Boutte and Latoya Greaves, recorded a sweep of the Big 12 Conference year for Jacques to earn the honor while Dye was honored for the second time. It was the titles, claiming indoor and outdoor titles in the triple jump and hurdles, respectively.Both first time to earn the award for Lee. the men’s and women’s teams reached their highest national rankings, the men at No. 3 during the indoor season and the women at No. 16 in the outdoor season. MEN’S GYMNASTICS

WRESTLING Ranked second heading into the 2008 NCAA Championships and facing No. 1 Stanford on its home floor in Palo Alto, Calif., the Sooners surged ahead of the Cardinal on the final The Sooner squad completed the 2007-08 regular season with a 14-5 dual re- routine of the night to claim their eighth national championship and fifth in the last seven cord, its most wins since winning 14 in 2004. It also marked the 13th straight season that years. With eight NCAA championships, the men’s gymnastics team owns more titles than head coach Jack Spates had led the OU program to at least 10 wins. Seven of Oklahoma’s any other OU program, breaking a tie with football and wrestling (seven). Following the victories during the campaign came against teams that placed in the top 30 at the NCAA Championships Four wrestlers qualified for the NCAA in St. Louis, Mo., by placing in the national championships, OU head coach Mark Williams was named the National Coach of top three at the Big 12 Championships in Stillwater, Okla. the Year, while assistants Daniel Furney and Rustam Sharipov were honored as National Co-Assistant Coaches of the Year. SOCCER

The Sooners finished the 2008 season strong with a 2-3-1 mark down the stretch. OU (3- 15-1 overall, 2-7-1 Big 12) finished one win shy of qualifying for the Big 12 Championship. Despite losing five seniors, the Oklahoma volleyball team continued to escalate its Sophomore forward Whitney Palmer was named to the All-Big 12 second team after lead- program under the helm of fourth-year coach Santiago Restrepo. Senior Sarah Weiland ing the Sooners in goals scored for the second consecutive season. Palmer’s eight goals represented Oklahoma on the All-Big 12 squad as she was an honorable mention selection. was tied for sixth in the Big 12 at the end of the regular season and is the tied for the third Redshirt freshman Francie Ekwerekwu also earned All-Freshman team honors for her most in OU single-season history. The Sooners placed six members on the 2008 Academic efforts during the 2007 season. Restrepo led the Sooners to another successful regular All-Big 12 first team. OU has accumulated at least six or more first team academic honor- season as they finished with an overall record of 22-10, including a 13-7 mark in the Big ees in each of the last five seasons. Sophomore defender Claire West was named to ESPN 12. Oklahoma returned just two starters from the 2006 record-breaking squad and was The Magazine’s Academic All-District VI third team as announced by CoSIDA (College Sports picked to finish ninth in the preseason Big 12 poll. Once again, the Sooners were the Information Directors of America). The award marked the sixth consecutive season that at surprise of the Big 12 as they finished fourth in the league and finished the regular season least one OU soccer player was named to the Academic All-District team. ranked No. 21 in the country. WOMEN’S TENNIS MEN’S TENNIS The Sooners had three true freshmen playing in their top six, including standout Ana- Maria Constantinescu, who was named the ITA Central Regional Rookie of the Year after The Sooners flirted with a top-30 ranking all season but the inexperience did not work the season ended. In fall play, Constantinescu became the first freshman to qualify for the to the Sooners’ favor as the young squad struggled in Big 12 play. Andrei Daescu was the National Indoor Championships under head coach Mark Johnson. Senior Christi Baxley was lone Sooner selected to play in the NCAA Championships. Daescu and Federico Chavarria named to the first team for the third consecutive year and senior Rachel Cox earned second earned All-Big 12 honors. Daescu was a unanimous All-Big 12 singles team member and team honors for the second straight season. he and Chavarria combined to earn All-Big 12 doubles team honors for their doubles performances. SOFTBALL

The Oklahoma softball program added another stellar season to its résumé in 2008 under the direction of 14-year head coach Patty Gasso. The Sooners advanced to their third Super WOMEN’S GYMNASTICS Regional in the last four years and finished the season with an overall record of 47-14, Etching its name in the record books on multiple occasions, the Sooners clinched their marking the 15th straight season that the Oklahoma program has notched a 40-win sea- first Big 12 title since 2004 in dramatic come-from-behind fashion and placed eighth at son. The Sooners are the only team in Big 12 Conference history to notch 40-win seasons the NCAA Championships, tying the ‘07 squad for the best finish in program history at the in each of the 13 years since the league. Individually, Oklahoma added to its tradition as season-ending event. Following OU’s come-from-behind heroics in the conference cham- three Sooners earned second team All-America honors. Sophomore utility player Amber pionship, second year head coach K.J. Kindler was named the 2008 Big 12 Coach of the Flores, junior pitcher D.J. Mathis and senior shortstop Savannah Long represented OU as Year while Redmond garnered Big 12 Gymnast of the Year honors. Senior Kiara Redmond All-Americans. capped off her illustrious career with four additional All-America honors to move her career total to nine - the highest number of any gymnast in program history.

SOONERSPORTS.COM 9 2008 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS EIGHT-TIME NATIONAL CHAMPS - 2008 | 2006 | 2005 | 2003 |2002 | 1991 | 1978 | 1977 OU TRADITION

The University of Oklahoma athletics program boasts a tradition that few schools can rival. Over the years, Sooner squads have combined for 26 team national championships including eight in men’s gymnastics, seven in football, seven in wrestling, two in baseball, one in men’s golf and one in softball.

The Sooner tradition isn’t something buried in the past. It inspires OU’s student-athletes to greater heights every season. In 2004-05, the Sooner football team competed in its second national championship in just four years and, in 2008, the men’s gymnastics team earned its fifth national title in seven seasons. In 2002, the Sooner men’s and women’s basketball teams carved their spot in history by advancing to the NCAA Final Four -- only the third time in NCAA history a school accomplished the feat with both teams in the same year. The OU women added another first in 2005-06, becoming the first team men’s or women’s, in Big 12 history to go 16-0 in league play. Beijing Olympic Medalist Jonathan Horton (left)

Even more remarkable, during the 2001-02 season, the OU football and men’s and women’s basketball teams combined for 74 wins -- the most ever for those three sports by a Division I school in a single season. Oklahoma went 11-2 in football, 31-5 in men’s basketball and The following represents a closer look at the tradition powering the : 32-4 in women’s basketball. The University of Oklahoma now stands alone in college sports’ 30-30-10 club, created exclusively by OU. • Oklahoma was playing football before it was a state. It’s only one of two Division I football programs to win seven or more national championships. And OU is the only Division I Oklahoma’s student-athletes continue to lead in the classroom and their actions in the com- football program ever to record 47 straight victories. munity are exemplary. With the Great Expectations campaign, Oklahoma continues to build the finest facilities in the nation. • Oklahoma gymnastics great Bart Conner won two NCAA all-around crowns and led the Sooners to two NCAA titles in 1977 and 1978. A three-time Olympian (1976, ‘80, ‘84), Conner Each day, it becomes more evident that the University of Oklahoma has become one of the won two gold medals in 1984. He was instrumental in the foundation of the International

OKLAHOMA MEN’S GYMANSTICS | OU TRADITION finest comprehensive athletics program in the country. When OU student-athletes raise the Gymnastics Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. trophy of another championship, the hands responsible for hoisting that trophy symbolize thousands of Sooners around the globe. • Oklahoma defeated UCLA in the 2000 Women’s College World Series to capture the school’s first softball national championship. The Sooners won 66 games, broke 15 school records, had four All-Americans, the WCWS Most Outstanding Player, three WCWS all-tournament team members, a Big 12 title, a No. 1 ranking and the National Coaching Staff of the Year. 2003 Heisman Trophy winner Jason White The Sooners became just the second non-West Coast team in NCAA history to win a softball national championship.

• The OU men’s basketball team has competed in 26 postseason tournaments in the last 27 years. Last season OU produced its 31st winning season in the last 32 years. No other Big 12 team can boast as many winning campaigns in the span.

• Sooner football has accumulated seven national championships, 41 conference titles, 24 bowl championships, 144 All-Americans and had 334 players drafted by the NFL, including 37 first-round selections and three No. 1 picks: Lee Roy Selmon (1976), Billy Sims (1980) and Brian Bosworth (1987—supplemental).

• Oklahoma’s storied wrestling program has amassed 23 conference titles and seven national championships. OU has produced 252 All-Americans and its 65 individual national champi- ons ranks third all-time.

• The OU women’s basketball team became the first team to go a combined 19-0 against league opponents, and was one of only four teams nationally to run the table against their league in 2005-06. Next season, OU enter with a 17-game regular season and a 20-game winning streak against conference foes. The unprecedented run netted the Sherri Coale-led Sooners their fourth regular season Big 12 Championship and their third Big 12 Tournament Championship, both league highs. OU’s 19-game winning streak topped the previous best of 18 set by the 2000-01 team.

• Oklahoma football has placed 23 former Sooners into the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, including three head coaches: Bennie Owen in 1951, Bud Wilkinson in 1969 and in 2001.

10 2009 OKLAHOMA MEN’S GYMNASTICS MEDIA GUIDE 2008 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS EIGHT-TIME NATIONAL CHAMPS - 2008 | 2006 | 2005 | 2003 |2002 | 1991 | 1978 | 1977 OU TRADITON | OKLAHOMA MEN’S GYMNASTICS OU TRADITON | OKLAHOMA

The 2000 NCAA Champion OU softball team • The Oklahoma men’s golf program has produced 47 All-Americans, eight three-time two-time consensus All-American, two-time Big 12 Player of the Year, four-time Academic All-Americans, eight individual conference champions, 14 conference titles and the 1989 All-Big 12 selection, and two-time CoSIDA Academic All-American. national championship. • Former OU letterwinners Michael Blackwood (track and field), Jonathan Horton (men’s • Oklahoma men’s basketball great Mookie Blaylock holds the NCAA-single game record for gymnastics) and Danny McFarlane (track and field) represented Oklahoma at the 2008 steals in a contest with 13. He accomplished the feat twice in games against Centenary on Olympic Games in Beijing. Dec. 12, 1987, and Loyola-Marymount on Dec. 17, 1988. • Three-time OU All-American Anthony Kim won the 2008 AT&T National in early July, be- • OU football has produced four Heisman Trophy winners: halfback Billy Vessels won the coming the first American golfer since Tiger Woods to win twice in one year on the PGA Tour. award in 1952, tailback Steve Owens won in 1969, halfback Billy Sims won in 1978, and quarterback Jason White brought the trophy back to Norman in 2003. OU players have captured 34 national player of the year awards and the Sooners have also produced five Three-time All-American Anthony Kim helped Outland Trophies, four Walter Camp Trophies, four Butkus Award winners, three Lombardi OU to its first Big 12 men’s golf title in 2006. Awards, three Thorpe Awards, three Davey O’Brien Awards, two Bronko Nagurski Awards, two Maxwell Awards, one Tatupu Award and one Bednarik.

• The Oklahoma baseball team swept through its regional tournament and the World Series without a loss to capture the 1994 national championship. The Sooners topped off a 42-17 regular season with the school’s second national baseball title.

• Oklahoma golf’s Charlie Coe was one of the most celebrated amateur players in the history of the game. During his career, Coe captured U.S. amateur crowns in 1949, 1958 and 1959. He also played in 19 straight Masters Tournaments. Coe competed on the Walker Cup teams of 1949, 1951 and 1953.

• Oklahoma wrestling has produced 18 Olympians who have collectively won three gold and two silver medals. Brothers Dave and Mark Schultz both won gold in the 1984 games.

• Oklahoma baseball won the 1951 College World Series with a come-from-behind win over Tennessee in the championship game to become the first team in history to claim the title after winning the double-elimination tournament without a defeat.

• Oklahoma basketball great Wayman Tisdale was a three-time All-American for the Sooners from 1983-85 and is the all-time leading scorer and rebounder in OU history. He was a member of the 1984 gold-medal-winning U.S. Olympic team and was recently named the greatest player ever in the Big Eight Conference by a panel of longtime conference media observers and officials. Tisdale’s No. 23 jersey was retired by Oklahoma in 1997 -- the first jersey ever retired by OU in any sport.

• Sooner basketball great Stacey Dales graduated as the most decorated player in the program’s history in 2002. She was the WNBA’s third overall draft pick by the Washington Mystics. In addition to leading OU to the 2002 national championship game, Dales was a

SOONERSPORTS.COM 11 2008 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS EIGHT-TIME NATIONAL CHAMPS - 2008 | 2006 | 2005 | 2003 |2002 | 1991 | 1978 | 1977

Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium

THERE’S ONLY ONE OKLAHOMA CRIMSON & CREAM

The University of Oklahoma has a long and storied history. The rich tradition has given birth In the fall of 1895, Miss May Overstreet, the only woman on the faculty, was asked to chair to some of the most recognized pageantry in all of college athletics. Here is a look at the a committee to select the colors of the university. The committee decided the colors should origin of some of the elements that create the wonderful atmosphere so unique to OU: be crimson and cream and an elaborate display of the colors was draped above a platform before the student body. OKLAHOMA MEN’S GYMANSTICS | SOONER SPIRT The student body approved with great enthusiasm and immediately pennants, banners, WHAT’S A SOONER? badges and decorations of every description appeared on the streets, in the windows, at chapel, in classrooms, and all public places; however, local merchants could not supply the College sports fans are hard-pressed to find a nickname that is as unique and as tied-in to a demand. state’s history as a Sooner. The University of Oklahoma is the only school known as Sooners and those who claim that they are Sooners say it with pride. Even though the school colors have evolved The Oklahoma Territory opened with the Land Run of 1889. Settlers from across the globe, to red and white over seeking free land, made their way to the prairies of the plains to stake their claim. One of the the years, you can ask any few rules to claiming a lot of land was that all participants were to start at the same time, on self-respecting Sooner what the the boom of a cannon. All settlers who started then were labeled as “Boomers” and the ones colors are and they will proudly who went too soon were called “Sooners.” announce “Crimson and Cream.”

OU athletic teams were called either Rough Riders or Boomers for 10 years before the On game days, a sea of crimson rolls current Sooner nickname emerged in 1908. The university actually derived its name from a through OU’s home venues and all Sooners pep club called “The Sooner Rooters.” The success of University of Oklahoma athletic teams are urged to wear the official colors to show over the years has made the nickname synonymous with winning. the rest of the country what school spirit and Sooner Pride is all about.

“”

One of the most recognizable college fight songs in the country, Boomer Sooner Boomer Sooner, Boomer Sooner immediately evokes enthusiasm from OU fans and sends chills down the spines of those who Boomer Sooner, Boomer Sooner dare to oppose them. Boomer Sooner, Boomer Sooner Boomer Sooner, OK U! In 1905, Arthur M. Alden, a student in history and physiology whose father was a Norman Oklahoma, Oklahoma jeweler, wrote the lyrics to the fight song, borrowing the tune from Yale University’s Boola Oklahoma, Oklahoma Boola but improvising the words. A year later, an addition was made to it from North Oklahoma, Oklahoma Carolina’s I’m a Tarheel Born and the two combined to form the university’s fight song today. Oklahoma, OK U! Though the tune was first made known by Yale, the everlasting success of Sooner squads has I’m a Sooner born and Sooner bred and when I die, I’ll be Sooner dead taken the melody of Boomer Sooner to national popularity. Rah Oklahoma, Rah Oklahoma Rah Oklahoma, OK U! 12 2009 OKLAHOMA MEN’S GYMNASTICS MEDIA GUIDE 2008 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS EIGHT-TIME NATIONAL CHAMPS - 2008 | 2006 | 2005 | 2003 |2002 | 1991 | 1978 | 1977 MASCOTS THE PRRRRR-IDE OF OKLAHOMA

The is a Conestoga, or covered wagon, reminiscent of the mode of travel The Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band has been supporting Sooner Spirit for nearly a MEN’S GYMNASTICS | OKLAHOMA SOONER SPIRT used by pioneers who settled Oklahoma. The Schooner is powered by matching white ponies century. Unlike many other college bands, which began as military drill units, the Pride of named Boomer and Sooner, and it ventures onto Owen Field in a triumphant victory ride Oklahoma had its beginnings as a pep band. after OU scores. Although the Schooner was introduced in 1964, it did not become the official mascot until 1980. The Schooner is well-recognized by college athletics fans across the In the early years of the 1900s, both townspeople of Norman and students of OU participated country and makes regular appearances at university functions. in a band that played for football games. Professor John Merrill started the first band in 1901, which was composed mostly of townspeople and disbanded after each football season. Lloyd During OU football and baseball games from 1915-1928, Mex the Dog wore a red sweater Curtis, a cornetist, founded the first continuous student band in 1904. with a letter “O” on the side. Mex died of old age on April 30, 1928, and he was so popular among students and faculty that the university closed for his funeral and procession on May Today, the 300-member Pride of Oklahoma has members representing virtually every 2, 1928. college and major on campus. The Pride of Oklahoma stands for excellence in musicianship, academics, school spirit, and commitment to our role in the surrounding community. In the fall of 2005, the OU Athletics Department introduced costumed mascots. The new characters will act as an extension of the Sooner Schooner and its horses to be enjoyed by Boomer Sooner rings out at the end of each rehearsal, and that song is the defining element fans -- especially children -- at all OU athletics contests. The costumes feature traditional of the University of Oklahoma. Maybe that is why Sooner fans love the band so much. Not collegiate gear as part of their regular uniform, but will don team uniforms for football much can compare to the first “go-go” at a football game when the Pride of Oklahoma and men’s and women’s basketball. They were voted “Most Collegiate” by the Universal marches the interlocking OU down the field playing Boomer Sooner. Cheerleading Association (UCA).

THE OU CHANT

The OU Chant is a loyalty song that is sung before every home football game, before and after every men’s and women’s basketball game and at the end of many athletic and university functions.

Every fan who wears the official colors, each current student and student-athlete and all OU alumni are encouraged to stand and raise one finger in the air during the playing of the Chant -- a symbolic gesture that shows those who do not know what it means to be a Sooner, the greatness of the university and the unity between all Sooners.

The Chant was written in 1936 by Jessie Lone Clarkson Gilkey, who directed the OU girl’s glee club from 1936 to 1938 and was voted Outstanding Faculty Woman in 1937.

O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A Our chant rolls on and on! Thousands strong Join heart and song In alma mater’s praise Of campus beautiful by day and night Of colors proudly gleaming Red and White ‘Neath a western sky OU’s chant will never die. Live on University!

SOONERSPORTS.COM 13 2008 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS EIGHT-TIME NATIONAL CHAMPS - 2008 | 2006 | 2005 | 2003 |2002 | 1991 | 1978 | 1977 EVERYBODY’S WATCHING

Oklahoma Athletics is a household name due to the overwhelming media attention that • Since 2000, Oklahoma student- hovers around the Sooners. Writers and broadcasters representing the nation’s most athletes have appeared on the recognized media outlets regularly interact with Sooner players and coaches and routinely cover of Sports Illustrated nine spend time in Norman. times. Sooner football is one of the most popular subjects for SI And when they can’t come to campus, those same observers keep tabs on OU thanks to with 30 cover appearances. extensive television coverage. The Sooners are at the very center of the college athletics and everybody is watching. • Over the past eight years, ESPN’s popular College • In 2007, all 14 Oklahoma football games appeared on live television. OU enters the 2008 Football Gameday season with a streak of 71 consecutive televised games and has been shown on TV 281 times production has broadcast dating back to the 1953 season. on site from 17 of Oklahoma’s games. • During the 2007-08 season, the men’s basketball team received live television coverage of 31 games, including 13 nationally televised contests. • 38 million people logged on to • The women’s basketball team was seen live for 27 games during the 2007-08 season, SoonerSports.com including national coverage for 10 contests. last year, making the official Web site of the • Thanks to the introduction of ESPNU, a cable-television network devoted solely to col- Oklahoma Athletics legiate athletics, the OU baseball team received television coverage for an unprecedented 12 Department one of regular-season baseball games in 2005, including two on ESPN’s national coverage. the top collegiate sites in the nation. • The Women’s College World Series is hosted in Oklahoma City each year, with all games shown live across the nation. • Many former Sooners have gone on to successful careers as talent for the nation’s top media outlets including ESPN’s Stacy Dales and CBS’ Spencer Tillman. Former OU athletes • The men’s golf team’s home tournament, The Maxwell Invitational in Ardmore, Okla., is are often called on to provide color commentary during regional broadcasts due to their televised live by the local ABC affiliate. championship experience and athletics expertise OKLAHOMA MEN’S GYMNASTICS | MEDIA SPOTLIGHT • Both the men’s and women’s gymnastics teams had regular television coverage thanks to the hosting duties of their respective conference championships. The nation focused its eyes on Norman in April 2006 when the Sooners hosted the NCAA Men’s Gymnastics National Championships at Lloyd Noble Center.

• The popularity of the Sooners is evident in the immense amount of products and apparel purchased by fans. OU ranks eighth in the nation in sales of licensed merchandise.

2005 National Championship Team

14 2009 OKLAHOMA MEN’S GYMNASTICS MEDIA GUIDE 2008 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS EIGHT-TIME NATIONAL CHAMPS - 2008 | 2006 | 2005 | 2003 |2002 | 1991 | 1978 | 1977 SPORTS MEDICINE | OKLAHOMA MEN’S GYMNASTICS MEDICINE | OKLAHOMA SPORTS

Inside the Henry J. Freede, M.D. Sports Medicine Center

The Oklahoma Athletics Department feels a strong responsibility to help its athletes reach “The addition of space is the greatest benefit,” says Anderson. “This space allows for and maintain their optimum health and achieve conditioning goals. For this reason, OU dedicated rehabilitation and consultation to the athletes. An option with the facility is the has developed excellent training and conditioning programs to lessen the possibility of water rehabilitation area. The athlete stands in a pool of water that is adjusted to his or her injuries. However, should injuries occur, the department is committed to a comprehensive own physical needs. Cameras are then placed where physicians can monitor the progress rehabilitation program. made by the athlete on his or her road to recovery.”

Complete athletically-related medical services are provided to Oklahoma student-athletes A total team effort is the key to OU’s efficiency in preventing, treating and rehabilitating by team physicians and OU’s certified athletic trainers. The University of Oklahoma obtains injuries sustained by student-athletes. These measures keep Sooner athletes at their highest the services of the best medical consultants available. level of performance as they compete for championships.

The base of operation for the Sooners’ medical care is the state-of-the-art Henry J. Freede, “Sports medicine is a team effort,” says Anderson. “The stated goal of athletic training M.D. Sports Medicine Center in the Barry Switzer Center. at Oklahoma is, first of all, care for the student-athletes, thereby granting our sports a competitive advantage and ultimately greater esteem for the entire program. Head athletic trainer Scott Anderson says the addition to the Barry Switzer Center has allowed the university to upgrade to a new edition of rehabilitation equipment that can best “To that end we are blessed with a full complement of self-sacrificing medical professionals benefit the student-athletes. working on a regular basis with our athletic training staff.”

From simple therobands to taping tables, the facility offers everything a school can have or hope to have. The Sooner training room is equipped to perform isokinetic joint evaluation for preventive medicine and for post-injury rehabilitation. The therapy room is supplied with the latest modalities on the market.

SOONERSPORTS.COM 15 2008 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS EIGHT-TIME NATIONAL CHAMPS - 2008 | 2006 | 2005 | 2003 |2002 | 1991 | 1978 | 1977

Campus Corner on game day

CITY OF NORMAN The Medieval Fair has become a springtime tradition in Norman as people from around the country converge on the city for one weekend each April to partake in a fascinating look back in time. Each year, an area park is transformed into a festival Norman is an ever-changing city of nearly 90,000 residents. Located in the heart OKLAHOMA MEN’S GYMANSTICS | NORMAN of sights, sounds and tastes straight from the Middle Ages. Knights joust, jesters of the state, it has grown to become the third largest city in Oklahoma. Despite its entertain and story tellers spin tales of a magical time in history. continuous growth, it has maintained the spirit and serenity of a small close-knit community. The $44 million Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, a state-of-the- art facility designed to display a collection of historical and natural science items Since the Oklahoma of 1889, Norman has grown into a popular and smart that trace the southwest’s development since prehistoric times, opened in May city. The spirit of Norman and its citizens is unwavering and uncompromising. 2000. History buffs will also enjoy the Cleveland Country Historical House which While other towns were clamoring to become the state capital, Norman residents holds exhibits relating to the development of this area of the state. desired to have the first state university. When the first OU president got off the

train and saw a prairie, he saw opportunity. For art enthusiasts, the Fred Jones Jr. Memorial Art Center houses permanent collections, nationally and world-renowned traveling exhibits as well as a yearly As home to the state’s premier educational institution, Norman boasts an excellent student art show. The museum has recently added the Weitzenhoffer Collection of quality of life and is a city that thrives on and celebrates the diversity of its French Impressionist paintings -- the single most important gift of art ever given to community. a U.S. public university.

Legendary University of Oklahoma football coach Barry Switzer called Norman “a Maintaining a progressive approach to the future while remembering its history, university town with a championship spirit.” Norman continually exhibits its love Norman continues to be a well-balanced community, proud to be the home of the for sports by hosting numerous local and national athletic events. University of Oklahoma. In the last five years alone, Norman has served as host of the NCAA Men’s Gymnastics Championship, an NCAA men’s golf regional, NCAA softball regionals, NORMAN’S CLIMATE NCAA women’s gymnastics regionals, NCAA women’s tennis regionals, NCAA track and field regionals and the NCAA women’s basketball regionals. In addition, the Big 12 Conference Men’s and Women’s Tennis, Track and Field, Wrestling, Women’s Month Avg. High Avg. Rain Golf, and Women’s Gymnastics Championships were held in Norman. January...... 47...... 2.8 in. February...... 54...... 2.2 in. Average Annual March...... 63...... 2.8 in. Daily Temperature Cultural activities are unlimited in Norman, making it the ideal backdrop for April...... 71...... 3.8 in. the University of Oklahoma. As home to people of all ethnic and educational May...... 79...... 6.6 in. backgrounds, the city has something to offer everyone. Norman is home to a June...... 87...... 6.8 in. variety of enriching events and attractions, including the Sooner Theater, which July...... 93...... 5.6 in. August...... 92...... 3.2 in. hosts a series of entertaining theatrical performances produced by locally-based September...... 84...... 7.5 in. talent and touring companies. October...... 73...... 5.5 in. November...... 60...... 4.5 in. 71° The city also showcases local and regional artists in its annual May Fair. In addition, December...... 50...... 2.8 in. through the university’s School of Drama, School of Dance and the School of Music, stage productions are offered year round.

16 2009 OKLAHOMA MEN’S GYMNASTICS MEDIA GUIDE 2008 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS EIGHT-TIME NATIONAL CHAMPS - 2008 | 2006 | 2005 | 2003 |2002 | 1991 | 1978 | 1977 OKLAHOMA CITY/ TULSA | OKLAHOMA MEN’S GYMNASTICS | OKLAHOMA TULSA CITY/ OKLAHOMA

Oklahoma City skyline

OKLAHOMA CITY TULSA

Oklahoma City, the capital of Oklahoma, is located just 18 miles from the Norman Tulsa, the state’s second largest city, is located 100 miles to the northeast of Norman in the campus. It was the first city settled in the Land Run of 1889 because of its position heart of Oklahoma’s Green Country. Ask people to describe Tulsa, and you’ll likely get many as the center of the state. It is because of this central location that Oklahoma different answers. It was a city forever changed by the discovery of oil in 1901. It is home City has become known as the home of America’s Western heritage. Whether to art deco treasures and nationally renowned museums. Its African-American heritage left its mark, in both the business and music worlds. And it’s a city of nostalgia and special adventure, history, culture or sports, Oklahoma City offers a variety of attractions memories for countless Americans due to its location on historic Route 66. and activities different from any other place in the country. Tulsa is a cosmopolitan town that appeals to both young families and retirees. National Oklahoma City was born on the afternoon of April 22, 1889, when the central touring exhibitions can be seen at the Philbrook Museum of Art, which was recently featured portion of what is now Oklahoma was opened to settlement by presidential on the television program America’s Castles. For great western art, check out the Gilcrease proclamation. Thousands crossed the borders of “unassigned lands” at the sound Museum, and music legends are commemorated at Oklahoma’s Jazz Hall of Fame. Other of gunfire at high noon. Never before or since has such a “run” occurred anywhere unique attractions worth a stop include the Elsing Museum, Ida Dennie Willis Museum of on the earth. Miniatures, Dolls & Toys, Tulsa Air and Space Center and the Fenster Museum of Jewish Art.

By the time the dust had settled on that historic day, many people had staked their claim at “Oklahoma Station,” an area which was destined to become Oklahoma City, a leading city in America. In 1911, Oklahoma City officially became the capital after a statewide election moved the state seal from Guthrie. Bricktown in Oklahoma City is the hub of downtown’s thriving night life with the arrival of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Oklahoma City has become a haven for exciting sports action. It is home of two semi-professional sports teams and the host of the NCAA Women College Softball World Series and Big 12 Softball Championship. The Oklahoma RedHawks, 1996 American Association champions (then named the Oklahoma City 89ers), are the Triple-A baseball affiliate of the Texas Rangers. The team plays in the 13,066-seat AT&T Bricktown Ballpark, one of the plushest venues in all of minor league sports. The ballpark served as host to a 2004 NCAA baseball regional and the 2005 Big 12 Baseball Championship.

Hockey mania runs rampant with the recent success of the Central Hockey League’s Oklahoma City Blazers. The Blazers won the CHL crown in 1996 and are yearly one of the league’s best teams. In addition, the city has hosted numerous PGA and Senior PGA Tour events.

After rave reviews for its support of the NBA’s Hornets, which were displaced from New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina prior to the 2005-06 season the NBA awarded the city with its own franchise. The Oklahoma City Thunder began their new season in October, 2008.

SOONERSPORTS.COM 17 2008 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS EIGHT-TIME NATIONAL CHAMPS - 2008 | 2006 | 2005 | 2003 |2002 | 1991 | 1978 | 1977 OU built a eight-year undefeated streak at the McCasland Field House from 2000-2007.

HOWARD MCCASLAND FIELD HOUSE HISTORY

Located in the heart of campus just north of Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Originally constructed in 1928, the Field House was once the home of the men’s basketball team. More than 5,000 fans were in attendance for the facility’s first game as the Sooners OKLAHOMA MEN’S GYMANSTICS | FACILITIES the Howard McCasland Field House provides a first-class training and competition venue for the OU volleyball and wrestling teams. beat the , 45-19.

In 2005, the Field House underwent a $6 million face lift that included a complete interior Since its construction, the Field House has been home to numerous sports. In addition to renovation of a resanded and repainted floor with four efficient practice courts and chair- the basketball programs, volleyball, women’s and men’s gymnastics and wrestling have all back seating that offers fans more comfort. featured events here.

In addition, the entire facility was repainted and improvements were made to the HVAC In addition to sporting events, the Field House has hosted several notable musicians and system, sound system, lighting and scoreboards. The Sooners also enjoyed renovations done entertainers in its history. Oklahoma students have watched acts including Jimi Hendrix to the training room as well as an upgrade to both teams’ locker rooms. (1970), Bill Cosby (1968), Henry Mancini (1963), Sonny and Cher (1969), Nat King Cole (1956) and Duke Ellington (1956).

18 2009 OKLAHOMA MEN’S GYMNASTICS MEDIA GUIDE 2008 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS EIGHT-TIME NATIONAL CHAMPS - 2008 | 2006 | 2005 | 2003 |2002 | 1991 | 1978 | 1977 FACILITIES MEN’S GYMNASTICS | OKLAHOMA

Inside the soon-to-be renovated Sam Viersen Center.

Beyond the planned facility renovation, an exciting project has recently broken ground in SAM VIERSEN GYMNASTICS CENTER the Viersen Center. A new state-of-the-art team conference room was dedicated during the 2008 competition season. Named after legendary Oklahoma women’s gymnastics coach The Sam Viersen Gymnastics Center is one of the nation’s premier collegiate gymnastics Becky Switzer, the meeting room provided a pioneering facility for team meetings, video facilities. One of only a handful of freestanding co-ed college gymnasiums in the country, review sessions and team building activities. Complete with wood floors, custom cabinetry, the 13,500 square foot facility will receive a facelift beginning in January of 2009. The custom gymnastics artwork and computer workstations, this new addition created an area facility is slated to add 7,000 square feet of gym space and undergo complete renovation of for the team to unite. A dedication ceremony included a ribbon cutting by Switzer. the locker rooms, sports medicine training rooms and the awards recognition room. A new storage area, a reconfiguration of foam and resi pits and an outdoor patio also highlight the Oklahoma’s commitment to the Viersen Center gymnastics facility project will enhance an renovation. Parking will be added on the North end of the facility already amazing experience for current and future Sooners.

The current structure reflects the OU program’s style in its modern architecture and interior design. Adjacent to the gym area are the sports medicine training area, the team conference The Viersen Center will get a facelift in 2009. room and locker rooms.

Funded primarily by private donation, a generous gift by Sam Viersen of Viersen-Cochran Drilling Company of Okmulgee, Okla., resulted in the building carrying his name. A similar commitment has been made by the Viersen Family Foundation for the facility renovation project. Fundraising is currently underway for this revolutionary addition.

SOONERSPORTS.COM 19 2008 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS EIGHT-TIME NATIONAL CHAMPS - 2008 | 2006 | 2005 | 2003 |2002 | 1991 | 1978 | 1977 OKLAHOMA MEN’S GYMANSTICS | COMMUNITY SERVICE DRIVING DIRECTIONS

From Will Rogers Airport (Oklahoma City): Travel west on Interstate 44. Stay in lane to where I-240 begins. Exit right on to I-35 South (4A). Exit off the State Highway 9 interchange (108B). Travel east approximately two miles until reaching the Jenkins Avenue interchange and turn left. Travel northbound until first traffic light, which is Imhoff Street. Make a left turn on Imhoff. Lloyd Noble Center will be on the left and the Sam Viersen Gymnastics Center will be on the right. To reach the Howard McCasland Field House, continue north on Jenkins past Lindsey Street. The Field House is located just North of the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

From Dallas-Ft. Worth Area: Travel north on Interstate 35. Exit off the State Highway 9 interchange (108B). Travel east approximately two miles until reaching the Jenkins Avenue interchange and turn left. Travel northbound until first traffic light, which is Imhoff Street. Make a left turn on Imhoff. Lloyd Noble Center will be on the left and the Sam Viersen Gymnastics Center will be on the right. To reach the Howard McCasland Field House, continue north on Jenkins past Lindsey Street. The Field House is located just North of the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

Return to OKC Airport: Drive I-35 north from Norman to I-240 west. Follow I-240 west to I-44 (I-240 automatically merges with I-44 just west of May Avenue). Take Exit 116B, Airport Road, exit on the left. Follow Airport Road west to Meridian Ave. Take the Meridian Avenue southbound exit and follow Meridian south approximately one mile to the airport.

20 2009 OKLAHOMA MEN’S GYMNASTICS MEDIA GUIDE 2008 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS EIGHT-TIME NATIONAL CHAMPS - 2008 | 2006 | 2005 | 2003 |2002 | 1991 | 1978 | 1977 SECTION NAME | OKLAHOMA MEN’S GYMNASTICS | OKLAHOMA SECTION NAME

OKLAHOMA ATHLETICS ON THE WEB Oklahoma’s official athletics site, SoonerSports.com, ranked in the top five across the board SoonerSports.com will also receive CBS College Sports Network’s industry-leading online and in CBS College Sports’ rankings of the 213 school and conference sites in its network for the new media solutions, including access to new distribution platforms such as CBS2Go mobile past year. and podcasting.

The University of Oklahoma, in conjunction with its multimedia rights partner, Sooner Sports CBS College Sports Network is the leading digital and cable programming company Properties, signed on to become a partner in CBS College Sports Network, the industry dedicated to college sports. Connecting more fans to more college sports than any other leader for online networks. It operates Oklahoma’s official athletics Web site, providing company, its many platforms for programming distribution include CBS College Sports Sooner fans with the most in-depth coverage and interactive content of Oklahoma sports TV, televising regular-season and championship events for 35 men’s and women’s college that has ever been available. The new and improved Web site, SoonerSports.com, launched sports; sportsline.com/cbscollegesports and its network of more than 215 official athletic on July 1, 2007. sites; CBS College Sports Network All Access, broadband services providing live audio and video of more than 10,000 events annually; as well as satellite television and radio, in-flight The OU Athletics Department and CBS College Sports Network committed considerable entertainment, wireless networks and more. Further information is available at www. research, planning and design resources in developing the new SoonerSports.com. OU is sportsline.com/cbscollegesports recognized as a leader in intercollegiate athletics and its official site follows in that tradition. Sooner Sports Properties is a division of Learfield Sports, which administers multimedia For many, the site serves as the front door to the Sooner experience. SoonerSports.com also rights for nearly 35 collegiate institutions and associations including fellow Big 12 members provides an integral link between OU student-athletes, their families, coaches, Oklahoma Colorado, Iowa State, Kansas State, Missouri and Texas A&M. The Dallas-based company students, fans, prospective student-athletes, alumni, media, donors, corporate partners, the also secures marketing partnerships for the Black Coaches Association (BCA) and provides University and peer institutions in the Big 12 Conference and the NCAA. exclusive sports programming to more than 1,000 radio stations throughout the country.

The site strengthens Oklahoma’s commitment in bringing its fans the most extensive Additionally, Team Services, LLC, a Learfield Sports company, specializes in venue naming coverage of the Sooners direct from Norman. By utilizing the latest technology, including rights, marketing research and sales consultation. webcasts, podcasts, RSS feeds, wireless services and more, OU presents fans with unprecedented opportunities to access official Sooner news, features and multimedia. SOONERSPORTSMEDIA.COM The OU Athletics Department provides an innovative service for media covering the Sooners. In addition to Oklahoma All-Access, CBS College Sports Network launched a custom Web site Log on to SoonerSportsMedia.com and download high-resolution action photos, mug shots, with a variety of online features including an e-commerce store, photo galleries and CBS official OU logos, online credentials and more. Visit the site to request an account for access. College Sports Network’s exclusive GameTracker ™ technology, which allows fans to follow live simulated game action, details and full play-by-play of their favorite Sooner sports.

SOONERSPORTS.COM 2008 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS SOONERS IN THE COMMUNITY

Despite the hectic daily schedule of a Division I athletic program, the University of Oklahoma men’s gym- nastics team found time to dress up in costumes and visit the students at Norman’s Cleveland Elementary School on Halloween Day.

The Sooners have been partnering with Cleveland Elementary School for several years, thanks to Cleve- land teacher Regina Bell and OU Head Coach Mark Williams.

“Coach Mark has been a great supporter of this program,” said Bell. “He knows that, as educators, we do everything we can to connect to our students. In this sports-driven society, it is great to use the resources we have at OU.”

Bringing the gymnasts into the classroom to help out the teachers in any way and having the students meet and get to know the gymnasts is what the program was specifically designed for.

“We like to come back, give to the community and be a positive role model for kids these days,” said gymnast Chris Brooks. “I can tell, coming in once a week spending an hour with the kids, they can’t wait till we come back. They always ask the teacher when we are going to come back.”

The Sooners take time to spend an hour with the classes once a week for the entire year as well as attend- ing special functions, such as the annual Jog-a-Thon and Fall Festival.

“I really enjoy coming here because they make an impact on my life. They make me happy whenever I come on Friday mornings, so hopefully I can make an impact on them as well,” said gymnast Steven Legendre. OKLAHOMA MEN’S GYMANSTICS | PAGE TITLE OKLAHOMA MEN’S GYMANSTICS | PAGE Having the team interact with the students at Cleveland has also sparked interest about gymnastics with children and parents alike. Each year, the school comes to a home gymnastics meet for “Cleveland Elementary Night” that brings hundreds of students and parents to the McCasland Field House.

“The children at Cleveland have learned so much about gymnastics because of our partnership with the OU team,” said Bell. “Parents have stopped me in the hallways to tell me they caught their son or daughter doing tricks on their swing sets and trampolines. It really shows that the children know who cares about them and we know the gymnastics team cares about us.”

The children of Cleveland Elementary got to see their favorite Sooner star in their best costumes on Halloween Day and the gymnasts loved seeing what the children had in store as well. It is easy to see the impact both the students and athletes are making on each other as they go on in their respective careers.

“It’s a lot of fun coming out here seeing the kids all dressed up. It is really exciting being here and having a good time,” added Legendre.

Not only do the Sooner gymnasts help any way they can at Cleveland Elementary, they also work with other schools around Norman and community service related activities with the OU Athletics Department.

22 2009 OKLAHOMA MEN’S GYMNASTICS MEDIA GUIDE