BERKELEY – In a short time, California freshman Shane Sadighi has started making a name for himself in the collegiate gymnastics world and beyond.
 
Only two meets into his collegiate career, the Aliso Viejo, Calif., native, qualified for the prestigious Winter Cup Challenge held annually in Las Vegas, with this year's iteration scheduled from Feb. 15-17. Competitors will have an opportunity to earn a spot on the US Men's National Team.
 
"We're very proud that Shane has qualified to Winter Cup USA Championships. Although he is a freshman he has displayed a maturity about his gymnastics and competition that is deserving of contending on the national stage," said head coach JT Okada.
 
Sadighi, who competes in the all-around for Cal, is the first Golden Bear to represent at the Winter Cup since former Bears and all-arounders Kevin Wolting and Kyle Zemeir participated in 2016.
 
The current Bear sealed his qualifying mark on Jan. 27 at the Stanford Open, Cal's first road meet of the 2018 season. He scored a 77.100 on Saturday and is ranked 21st in the nation on the CGA poll.
 
Prelims begin at 10:50 a.m. (PT) on Thursday, Feb. 15 with competition concluding on Sunday, Feb. 17 with the Winter Cup Finals that begin at 7 p.m. Fans can follow the meet via live stream and live stats here.
 
For more information on Cal men's gymnastics, follow the team @CalMGYM on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.