BERKELEY – No. 13 California will head to Stanford for the third and final time this weekend to participate in the International Collegiate Challenge, an annual showcase hosted by the Cardinal that includes elite international competition with some the most notable collegiate programs.
 
Saturday's meet, scheduled for a 4 p.m. (PT) start, features the national teams from Canada, and reigning Olympic champion Japan, with and No. 3 Stanford, No. 7 Illinois and No. 8 Michigan.  
 
The Golden Bears have been off for a couple of weeks, but most recently finished second at Stanford in the Pac-12 Invitational that included Washington and Arizona State in the field as well. Last time at the Farm, Cal posted a team season best of 395.150, highlighted by Aaron Mah's all-around title with an 80.850. Mah, a Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, native, has also competed for the Canadian national team.
 
As the teams get deeper into the season, the competition tightens. The Bears will face the Fighting Illini and Wolverines for the first time this season. It marks the first faceoff with Illinois since 2013 when Cal won W, 427.000-425.650.
 
"This weekend we are excited to begin the five-up, five-count portion of the season," said head coach JT Okada. "Competing against three other NCAA teams and two international teams will create quite an exciting event. We are thrilled to showcase our recent work in the gym."
 
Saturday will also mark the Bears penultimate contest in the Bay Area for the season, with one final home meet on March 24.
 
For more information on Cal men's gymnastics, follow the team @CalMGym on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.