Huskers Begin New Decade at Annual Rocky Mountain Open

The No. 9 Nebraska men's gymnastics team heads west this weekend for the annual Rocky Mountain Open, as the team begins a new era under Head Coach Chuck Chmelka. The competition, held at the Cadet West Gymnasium in Colorado Springs, Colo., is slated to begin at 7 p.m. Central. Six teams make up the RMO field, including No. 3 Oklahoma and No. 14 Air Force, as well as non-conference opponents Arizona State, Washington and members of the United States Olympic Training Center.

"The Rocky Mountain Open is always tough," Nebraska Head Coach Chuck Chmelka said. "No team is in great shape this early in the season, but we're in good shape.  For the first meet out, we worry about injuries. It's our job as coaches to make sure our gymnasts are prepared to do the right things so they don't get hurt."

This is the 15th time in 20 seasons that the Huskers have opened their season at the RMO, which began in 1981. Since then, Nebraska has clinched a first-place finish six times and finished second on seven other occasions. NU's last Rocky Mountain Open title was in 2000. Last season, NU earned second place at the RMO, only placing behind Oklahoma.

The Rocky Mountain Open is a familiar stage for the Nebraska gymnastics program, as each year it provides NU valuable insight to where it stands nationally. This year's RMO will also mark the beginning of a new era and new decade under Chmelka. Twelve gymnasts are slated to compete this weekend, including all-arounders Kyle Shanahan, John Robinson and newcomer Andreas Hofer. Shanahan, who placed 11th in the all-around finals at the 2009 NCAA Championships, trained hard in the offseason make a push for All-America honors this season.

"Kyle has developed into our leader," Chmelka said. "He is unbelievable right now. He's ready to go at the Rocky Mountain Open. I think he's going to challenge for the all-around. I can't imagine anybody being in any better shape at this stage of the game than him. He is knocking out routines even when he's added new things. He's added new skills on almost every event. He's going to be our leader. He will be a huge key gymnast for us and is doing great."

Three newcomers will get a chance to test collegiate gymnastics waters, including Hofer, Michael Heredia and and David Jacobs. Chmelka hopes the newcomers will bring their hard work ethics to the floor on Saturday.

"The new gymnasts are doing great," Chmelka said. "They have focus on getting better every day. They are all hard workers. Sometimes, we even have to tell them to slow down a little bit."

Following the Rocky Mountain Open, the Huskers will have a two-week break before heading to Minneapolis, Minn., for a triangular against Minnesota and Air Foce at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30.

For updates on Nebraska men's gymnastics, follow Huskers.com or Twitter.

RMO Lineups
Floor Exercise
John Robinson
Kyle Shanahan
Andreas Hofer
Michael Heredia
Josh Dilworth
Tony Maras

Pommel Horse
John Robinson
Kyle Shanahan
Andreas Hofer
Josh Rusler
Bear Danley
David Jacobs

Still Rings
John Robinson
Kyle Shanahan
Andreas Hofer
Tony Maras
Anthony Ingrelli
Cory Baumgarten

Vault
John Robinson
Kyle Shanahan
Andreas Hofer
Josh Dilworth
Michael Heredia
Cory Baumgarten

Parallel Bars
John Robinson
Kyle Shanahan
Andreas Hofer
Tony Maras
Bear Danley
Cory Baumgargen

High Bar
John Robinson
Kyle Shanahan
Andreas Hofer
Josh Rusler
Josh Dilworth
Bear Danley

MPSF Opponents at the Rocky Mountain Open
No. 14 Air Force Falcons
Quick Facts

General Information
Location: Colorado Springs, Colo.
Enrollment: 4,400
Founded: 1954
Nickname: Falcons
Colors: Blue and Silver
Conference: MPSF
Superintendent : Lt. Gen. Michael C. Gould

Team Information
Home Facility: Cadet West Gymnasium
Capacity: 1,500
Gymnastics Office Phone: (719) 333-7667
Head Coach: Kip Simons (Ohio State, 1994)
School Record (Years): 13-75 (Four Years)
Asst. Coaches: Brett McClure, Lt. Col. Chuck Schweiss
Volunteer Assistant Coach : Dave Mickelson

2009 Season
2009 Record: 5-22
2009 MPSF Finish: Fifth
2009 Final NCAA Ranking: 15th
Lettermen Returning/Lost: 11/3

Media Relations Information
Gymnastics Contact: Valerie Perkin
Media Relations Phone: (719) 333-8286
Media Relations Fax: (719) 333-3798
Contact e-mail : valerie.perkin@usafa.edu
Website: goairforcefalcons.com

Series History
Last Dual: March 20, 2009
Results: Nebraska, 340.05-325.30
Series Record: Nebraska Leads, 18-2

No. 3 Oklahoma Sooners
Quick Facts

General Information
Location: Norman, Okla.
Enrollment: 30,092
Founded: 1890
Nickname: Sooners
Colors: Crimson and Cream
Conference: Mountain Pacific Sports Federation
President: David L. Boren
Athletic Director: Joe Castiglione

Team Information
Home Facility: McCasland Field House
Capacity: 2,300
Gymnastics Office Phone: (405) 325-8349
Head Coach : Mark Williams (Nebraska, 1980)
School Record (Years): 246-21 (nine years)
Asst. Coaches : Rustam Sharipov, Daniel Furney

2009 Season
2009 Record: 23-3
2009 MPSF Finish: Second
2009 NCAA Finish: Third
Lettermen Returning/Lost: 7/5
All-Americans Returning/Lost: 2/5

Media Relations Information
Gymnastics Contact: Matt Wilson
Media Relations Phone: (405) 325-8413
Media Relations Fax: (405) 325-7623
Contact e-mail: mwilson75@ou.edu
Website: SoonerSports.com

Series History
Last Dual: Feb. 28, 2009
Results: Oklahoma, 358.30-342.40
Series Record: Oklahoma Leads, 38-28-1