Preseason Seventh-Ranked Ohio State Opens Exhibition Action Sunday – Ohio State Buckeyes
12/2/2009 12:00:00 AM | General, Men's Gymnastics
The Buckeyes return 11 letterwinners, three All-Americans in 2010
COLUMBUS, Ohio – After a successful 2009, the Ohio State men’s gymnastics team enters the 2010 season ranked seventh in the College Gymnastics Association preseason coaches’ poll. The Buckeyes look to turn in another award-winning year with returning All-Americans Brandon Wynn, Ty Echard and Steven Spencer, in addition to 2009 Big Ten Freshman of the Year Philip Onorato in the gym.
Reigning NCAA champion Stanford received eight first-place votes to earn the No. 1 spot in the preseason rankings and is followed by California and Oklahoma in second and third, respectively.
Michigan, the national runner-up a season ago, holds fourth in the poll with Big Ten rivals Illinois in fifth and Penn State in sixth. Minnesota was tabbed eighth and Iowa 10th for yet another season in which all six Big Ten programs rank in the nation’s Top 10.
Ohio State, led by 13th-year head coach Miles Avery, will open its exhibition season at 2 p.m. Sunday in St. John Arena and will host its Scarlet and Gray Intrasquad at 2 p.m. Dec. 16 before the start of winter break. The Buckeyes will compete in St. John Arena seven times this season leading up to the much anticipated 2010 Big Ten Gymnastics Championships held in Columbus April 2-3.
After their final tune-up on Jan. 9, the Scarlet and Gray welcome conference foes Illinois (Jan. 30) and Penn State (Feb. 27), as well as MPSF members California (March 6) and Oklahoma (March 13) for home meets in St. John Arena this year.
2010 CGA Preseason Coaches’ Poll:
1. Stanford (8)
2. California (4)
3. Oklahoma (3)
4. Michigan (1)
5. Illinois
6. Penn State
7. Ohio State
8. Minnesota
9. Nebraska
10. Iowa
11. UIC
12. Temple
13. William & Mary
14. Air Force
15. Navy
16. Springfield/Army
