Oct. 24, 2007

BERKELEY, Calif. - The California men's gymnastics team has been picked as the No. 5 team in the country, according to a College Gymnastics Association's preseason poll.

"We're trying to prepare our team and fill in the holes so that we can finish on top," Cal head coach Barry Weiner said. "It all comes down to a Saturday in April."

The Golden Bears finished seventh in the nation last season after taking third place in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. At last year's NCAA Championships, Tim McNeill became the second-ever Golden Bear to win two men's gymnastics national titles in the same year - winning his first national championship on the parallel bars and repeating on pommel horse. Kyson Bunthowong and Colin Christ also advanced to the NCAA finals with both earning All-America honors and Christ tied for second place on high bar and took third on parallel bars.

The Bears return 13 gymnasts from last year's squad, including all three NCAA finalists, and welcome five talented recruits. The Golden Bears kick off their 2008 campaign against rival Stanford at Haas Pavilion on Jan. 18.

Complete 2008 Preseason Rankings
1. Stanford (8)
2. Penn State (4)
3. Oklahoma (2)
4. Ohio State (1)
5. California
6. Michigan
7. Minnesota
8. Illinois
9. Iowa
10. Nebraska
11. Temple
12. Army
13. Illinois-Chicago
14. William & Mary
15. Navy