The Illinois men''s gymnastics team will begin the season as the nation''s fifth-ranked squad, according to the GymInfo/NCAA Preseason Coaches Poll.

Urbana native Karen Brems, a 2000 Olympian in cycling, will be inducted into the Tribute to Olympic Athletes on Saturday.

Illinois gymnasts Bob Spelic and Scott Wetterling as well as former Illini Linh Hoang have qualified for the U.S. Championships next month in Philadelphia.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Illinois senior Leo Oka placed sixth in the all-around to earn his second All-America honor in a row Friday at the NCAA Gymnastics Championships.

Oka scored 54.075.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Illinois' men's gymnastics team, ranked fourth nationally, did not qualify for the team finals Thursday at the 59th annual NCAA Championships.

URBANA – Less than two-tenths of a point separated No. 4 Illinois from Penn State at the Big Ten Men's Gymnastics Championships.

Less than two points proved the difference between finishing third and finishing second.

CHAMPAIGN – When nine-time All-American Travis Romagnoli completed his Illinois gymnastics career last spring, the Illini had one returning All-American in the all-around, Leo Oka, and one spot to fill.

In stepped Linh Hoang.

Four recruits, including Wheaton's Laura Ruffalo, signed national letters of intent with Illinois coach Bob Starkell's women's gymnastics program.