Illini Next in Line For the Buckeye Men’s Gymanastics Team – Ohio State Buckeyes
3/3/1999 12:00:00 AM | General, Men's Gymnastics
March 3, 1999
Jamie Natalie had the best meet of his young career over the weekend, proving the catalyst for the Buckeyes’ 230.95-228.05 win over the then-No. 1 ranked Penn State Nittany Lions in St. John Arena. The night was one of career and NCAA bests for Natalie, as the super sophomore landed six season bests, won three events, had two career bests, broke a school record and now currently holds the best all-around score in the nation. After handing Penn State its first loss of the season, Ohio State (12-1/10-1) now looks ahead to its upcoming meet this weekend against the University of Illinois.
ON THE ILLINIOS FIGHTING ILLINI
The Buckeyes met Illinios earlier this season on Jan. 30 in a tri-meet hosted by the then-No. 2 University of Michigan. Ohio State defeated both teams, winning 228.325-227.550 against Michigan and 222.950 against Illinios. The Illini are led by junior Travis Romagnoli, the defending NCAA all-around champion and NCAA champion Kyle Zak. Illinios is currently ranked seventh in the nation.
NATALIE BIG TEN GYMNAST OF THE WEEK
After his sensational weekend against Penn State, Jamie Natalie has garnered Big Ten Gymnast of the Week accolades. Natalie set season bests in the floor exercise (9.70), still rings (9.55), vault (9.65), parallel bars (9.95), horizontal bar (9.75) and the all-around (58.30). He won the vault, parallel bars and all-around, with career bests coming on the parallel bars and all-around. In addition, he broke the school record on the parallel bars.
OHIO STATE RISES TO SECOND IN POLLS
In the latest Coaches’ Poll, the Buckeyes have risen to second after their convincing victory over Penn State. The Lions fall to third after the loss. The full poll is as follows:
1. Iowa 2. Ohio State 3. Penn State 4. Michigan 5. Oklahoma 6. Nebraska 7. Illinios 8. BYU 9. Michigan State 10. Stanford
UPCOMING SCHEDULE PREVIEW
After traveling to Illinios this weekend, the Buckeyes return home for their final home meet of the season against the University of Illinois-Chicago. At this meet, Ohio State will honor its departing senior class, one that has compiled an impressive 24-1 record in dual meets and seeks to preserve its ten consecutive home dual meet unbeaten streak. The team will have a final season prep at Temple the following weekend before moving into Championship competition.
