March 29, 2006

BERKELEY - California sophomore Tim McNeill won the all-around competition at last weekend's 2006 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Championships, with a combined score of 55.325. McNeill defeated the MPSF Gymnast of the Year, Oklahoma's Jonathan Horton (54.100) and Stanford's top gymnast David Sender (54.100), leading the Bears to a third place finish (216.450) behind Oklahoma (219.175) and Stanford (217.075).

"It was a major win for Tim," said Cal head coach Barry Weiner. "Each of the three top teams (Oklahoma, Stanford and Cal) has a member of the U.S. Men's Senior National Team. David Sender from Stanford competed in the Pan American Games and in the American Cup. Jonathan Horton from Oklahoma defeated the world's silver medalist at the last World Championships. Tim, who has no international experience and has never competed on a national team, not only defeated Sender, he defeated Horton as well."

McNeill not only posted above a 9.000 on five out of six events, but he also took two individual event titles. The native of Falls Church, Va., won the pommel horse with a score of 9.325 and took top honors on the parallel bars (9.700), which was the highest total of the night on any event. His 9.700 on the parallel bars was also good for a new career best.

At the MPSF Championships McNeill posted a 9.200 on the vault, helping the Bears record a season-high team score of 35.900 on the apparatus. He also tallied a 9.150 on the still rings and a 9.050 on the high bar.

The standout sophomore has earned National Gymnast of the Week honors this season (March 13) along with MPSF Gymnast of the Week accolades (Feb. 27). McNeill also qualified for the U.S. Men's Senior National Team after his strong showing at the 2006 Pacific Coast Classic in February.

Cal has a week of preparation before heading to the NCAA Championships, which are being held at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Okla., April 6-8.