PHILADELPHIA -- The Temple men's gymnastics team suffered a 221.075-203.900 loss to No. 1-ranked Illinois in a dual meet at McGonigle Hall Saturday evening that also featured an exhibition by the Japan Collegiate All-Stars. Freshman Luke Vexler, the current ECAC Gymnast of the Week, was the Owls' top performer on floor (8.700) and pommel (9.150) en route to a second place all-around finish with a 51.300 total.
Although its scores are not recognized in NCAA competition, Japan had the top performer in five of the six events, as the All-Stars turned-in an impressive, 221.950 team total.
Illinois' Wesley Haagense won the floor exercise (9.300) en route to capturing the all-around crown with a 55.600 score. Teammate Adam Pummer also excelled, winning both the vault (9.650) and parallel bars (9.500). Ben Newman (pommel horse, 9.350), Tyler Yamauchi (rings, 9.675) and Ross Bradley (high bar, 9.350) also earned event title for the Fighting Illini.
John Behrle and Sterling Kramer earned the Cherry & White's top event finishes of the evening. Behrle placed fourth on the vault with an 8.900 effort, while Kramer finished fourth on the high bar with a 9.00 score. Other notable performances belonged to Derek Shepard on floor (tied for fifth, 8.700), Brian Forquer on rings (fifth, 9.00) and Andy Corp on parallel bars (fifth, 8.600).
13th-ranked Temple (8-6), under the direction of 28th-year head coach Fred Turoff, returns to action March 4th in a dual meet at Army.
