Temple University Athletics
Men's Gymnastics Hosts Springfield, MIT to Headline Temple Boys ' Invitational
2.15.08 | Men's Gymnastics
Feb. 15, 2008
PHILADELPHIA - The #9 Temple men's gymnastics team (6-1) looks to continue its winning ways as they take on Springfield College and MIT to headline the 5th Annual Temple Boys' Invitational, scheduled for February 16, 2008 at 7:30 pm. The tri-meet will also honor seven senior athletes as they compete in their last home competition of their gymnastics careers. Action will take place on the campus of Temple University inside McGonigle Hall.
After enjoying a week off from competition following their upset win over Ohio State and Navy, the Cherry and White are ready to continue what has been a stellar beginning to their 2008 campaign. Last weekend, three Temple gymnasts traveled to Las Vegas, NV to compete in the 2008 Winter Cup Challenge, which served as a qualifier to the USA Gymnastics men's senior national team. Representing Temple in Las Vegas were seniors Luke Vexler, Sterling Kramer, as well as junior John Vogtman. In the final rotation of the evening, Vogtman injured his knee, rendering him unable to compete this weekend.
"John's competition was going quite nicely until our last event. As of now, we aren't sure how long he'll be out, but I at least hope to have him back on pommel horse in a few weeks," added 32nd year head coach, Fred Turoff. "On the other hand, Jason Russo, Pat McLaughlin, and Alex Gorski should all see some action this weekend." The talented trio was forced to sit on the sidelines with each sustaining minor injuries at the start of the season.
Seven Seniors Say Goodbye
Competing for the last time in McGonigle Hall, seven senior student athletes will be honored by head coach Fred Turoff and assistant coach Theo Maes.
A few of those seniors shared some final thoughts as they bid farewell to McGonigle Hall.
Andrew Corp (Physics & Electrical Engineering)
On competing at home for the last time- "I'm sad and excited at the same time. I'm nearing the end of a 20 year career in the sport. I've had so many great memories in this gym"
Most memorable moment- "Coming in as a walk-on freshman, I expected to red-shirt my first year. But when Fred [Turoff] called me into compete after Christmas break, I wound up competing the very next weekend at Penn State."
Alex Gorski (Kinesiology, Exercise and Sports Science)
On competing at home for the last time- "This is definitely bittersweet. I remember the first time I wore the Temple "T" on my chest, had my teammates and alumni cheering for me...now I get to cheer on the new athletes as an alumni."
Most memorable moment- "Winning the EIGL/ECAC conference championships last season was definitely the best experience. On our last event, the vault, I remember landing my vault right in front of all my cheering teammates and alumni. Being part of a team that had never seen a conference title was one of those out of body experiences that doesn't seem real when it happens."
John Jeffries (Kinesiology)
On competing at home for the last time- "It's kind of sad- just another reminder that my college career as a gymnast is coming to an end."
Most memorable moment- "Just two weeks ago, I made the "A" squad on pommel horse for the Ohio State/Navy meet. Hitting that routine as the first guy up gave me the chance to prove to coach that I could be counted on in that position."
Greg Monaco (Kinesiology)
Most memorable moment- "Upsetting Ohio State two weeks ago, without a doubt, was my most memorable moment. This season we're all about turning some heads and scaring some people. Turn some heads, and instill some fear we did when we took down the Big-10 powerhouse Ohio State."
Plans after graduation- "I just finished my application for graduate school at Springfield College to pursue a Master's in exercise physiology. My little brother is actually a freshman on their gymnastics team, so I'm hoping to work as a coach for their team."
Nate Naisby (Management Information Systems)
On competing at home for the last time- "It feels good. I spend more time in McGonigle Hall than I do in my own home. I'm a bit nervous though...I really want to go out on top and show my friends and family how hard I've been working."
Most memorable moment- "Winning the conference championships last year. Everything about it the thrill, excitement, home crowd, and celebration...it was all amazing. It was not only my most memorable moment as a Temple athlete, but as a Temple student as well."
These five athletes, along with Luke Vexler and senior co-captain Sterling Kramer, will be honored before family and friends just prior to Saturday evening's competition.
About the Temple Boys' Invitational
The Temple Boys' Invitational, now in its 5th year, attracts more than 500 athletes each year from the very beginning levels of gymnastics, all the way to elite and NCAA. McGonigle Hall will host three days of competition, starting Friday evening, February 15th. More than 40 gyms are registered to compete.
Live Streaming
Fans who cannot attend the Temple/Springfield/MIT tri-meet can follow the action live via web streaming by signing up at http://all-access.cstv.com/cstv/player/player.html?code=tem
Temple's Top 10 Team and Individual Rankings in the ECAC/EIGL Conference Team: #1 Scott Bloomfield: #4 V; #7 HB Andy Corp: #5 PB, HB Tyler Croteau: #5 FX; #10 V; Sterling Kramer: #6 PH; #4 AA Jason Russo: #7 SR Luke Vexler: #4 FX; #7 PH; #8 SR; #9 PB; #4 HB; #1 AA John Vogtman: #4 PH; #6 SR; #5T V; #6 PB; #2 AA
