Feb. 5, 2013

STANFORD, Calif. - Six members of the fourth-ranked Stanford men's gymnastics team will compete this weekend at the Winter Cup Challenge (Feb. 7-9) in Las Vegas, Nev., for a spot on the U.S. Men's Gymnastics Senior National Team.

The Cardinal will be represented by seniors Eddie Penev and Cameron Foreman, junior Paul Hichwa, sophomore Sean Senters and freshmen Jonathan Deaton and Kevin Baker.

This will be Foreman's second appearance at the Winter Cup Challenge, as he also competed during his freshman year in 2010, while the other five Stanford gymnasts will make their tournament debuts.

A total of 57 current and former collegiate gymnasts will compete for a total of seven spots on the senior national team. The tournament begins on Thursday, Feb. 7, at 11 a.m. (PT), with the top 42 gymnasts based on the points ranking system advancing to the final round on Sunday, Feb. 9, at 7:15 p.m. (PT).

The seven positions on the senior national team will be filled by the top two ranked all-around gymnasts who are not already on the senior national team, two based on the National Team Points System, two selected by the Men's Program Committee and one selected by the national team coordinator.

The eight members of the 2012 U.S. Olympic squad will retain their spots on the national team.

Stanford head coach Thom Glielmi believes this meet is a good opportunity for his gymnasts to showcase their talents and compete against high-quality competition.

"This year, because of the new Olympic cycle, is an especially great opportunity for guys that have been on the cusp of garnering a spot on the senior team," said Glielmi. "It's exciting and there's always one athlete you're surprised by and earns a spot on the team."

For more information about the event, visit the USA Gymnastics website at usagym.org.