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Colorado Springs, Colo. ? Behind a trio of top-three finishes, senior Josh Rasile (Phoeniz, Ariz.) led the Nebraska gymnastics team to a strong showing in Saturday’s Rocky Mountain Open event finals.
Rasile’s performances was the highlight for the Huskers, as he tied for first on vault with a 9.3, tying the mark also set by U.S. Olympic Training Center standouts Stephen McCain and Tony Tilyazsky. The Husker gymnast also earned runner-up honors on floor exercise (8.95) and still rings (9.30).
"The finals were very good to us today," Nebraska Assistant Coach Chuck Chmelka said. "Josh held his own against some of the best college gymnasts in the country, and tied two members of the U.S. national team for first on vault. That really says about the level he competed at today and overall, it was a good start of the season for us."
The Huskers enjoyed their best showing on floor exercise, as Rasile and sophomore Derric Wood (Lincoln, Neb.), placed second and third, respectively. Rasile finished with an 8.985, while Wood, who placed 11th in Friday’s all-round, was third with an 8.725. Wood also tied junior Mace Patterson (Beggs, Okla.) for eighth in the high bar (7.95).
NU also solid performances from freshman Paul Chumreonlert (Houston, Texas), who placed third on pommel horse (8.85) and 10th on still rings (8.10) and sophomore Ray Hacker (Fairfax, Va.), who was sixth on pommel horse with an 8.60.
"This weekend was a learning experience, especially for some of our freshmen," Chmelka said. "Now, we have to get back to work and prepare for our home opener next Sunday against Iowa."
The Huskers will host the sixth-ranked Hawkeyes next Sunday, Jan. 25, at 1 p.m. at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.
Rocky Mountain Open (Event Finals ? NU Athletes only)
Floor Exercise
2. Josh Rasile 8.985
3. Derric Wood 8.725
Pommel Horse
3. Paul Chumreonlert 8.85
6 Ray Hacker 8.60
Still Rings
2. Josh Rasile 9.30
11. Paul Chumreonlert 8.10
Vault
t1. Josh Rasile 9.30
Parallel Bars
9 Mace Patterson 8.70
High Bar
t8. Mace Patterson 7.95
t8. Derric Wood 7.95