April 3, 2004

Champaign, Ill - The Cal men's gymnastics team finished sixth at the 2004 NCAA Championships hosted by the University of Illinois. The Golden Bears posted their second best team score of the season (220.325) in defeat. Penn State was the eventual winner, accumulating a 2004 national best 223.300. Oklahoma ended the night in second place (222.300) and Illinois finished third (222.225).

The Bears were led again by Graham Ackerman, who made a statement tonight heading into tomorrow's individual competition. Ackerman recorded a 9.725 in high bar, a 9.625 in the floor exercise, and a 9.650 in vault.

Randall Heflin also made a strong statement, averaging a 9.525 in the floor exercise. After yesterday's career-high 54.350 in the all-around competition, Heflin only competed in two events, adding a 9.300 in vault.

David Eaton was also instrumental in vault competition, registering a 9.425. Vault was the Bears' best event of the evening, posting a 37.425 as a team.

Competition continues tomorrow from Champaign, where the Bears look to pick up individual titles.