Mikulak, Makowske Reach Podium in Winter Cup Challenge Finals

Saturday, February 5

Las Vegas, Nev.

7:15 PM PT

Michigan

Winter Cup Finals

Mikulak, Makowske Reach Podium in Winter Cup Challenge Finals

2/6/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Gymnastics

Feb. 6, 2011

• Event Results | All-Around Results
• Makowske High Bar Routine | Mikulak Vault

Site: Las Vegas, Nev. (Las Vegas Sports Center)
Event: Winter Cup Challenge (Finals)
U-M Team Result: No Team Scoring
Attendance: 1,850 (sold out)
Next U-M Meet: Saturday, Feb. 12 -- vs. Illinois (Cliff Keen Arena), 1 p.m.

LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- Three individuals competed for the No. 6-ranked University of Michigan men's gymnastics team on Saturday (Feb. 5) in the finals of the USA Gymnastics Winter Cup Challenge at the Las Vegas Sports Center. Senior Ian Makowske (Redding, Conn./Joel Barlow) and redshirt junior Adam Hamers (Salem, Ore./ South Salem) and freshman Sam Mikulak (Corona del Mar, Calif./ Corona del Mar) were among the top 42 competitors from prelims that qualified into finals.

Athletes competed for a spot on the 15-member US National Team at the Winter Cup Challenge. The seven 2010 World Team members, including senior Chris Cameron (Winter Haven, Fla./ Lake Region), will retain their spots on the team. The remaining eight spots are determined from tonight based on a set of criteria: The winner in the all-around competition; the top four athletes in points (top-10 athletes in each event are given points); two athletes selected by the USA Gymnastics men's program committee; and one athlete selected by the USA Gymnastics National Team Coordinator.

Makowske competed on floor exercise and high bar. Arriving at HB in the fourth rotation, Makowske attempted an upgraded routine from the prelims, including a half-tak connected to a half twisting release move over the bar. The routine also included Ian's new invented skill. He concluded with a stuck dismount and standing cheers from the crowd [ Watch the routine here ]. His combined two-day score from prelims and finals earned him third place in the event. In the fifth rotation on floor exercise, Makowske struggled on his first pass but did well on the remainder of his routine.

Mikulak competed on floor exercise and vault. Michigan arrived at vault in the second rotation with Mikulak attempting his triple twisting vault for only the second time (the first time being in prelims). He astounded the crowd again by standing up the world class vault landing with a step back [ See the vault here ]. His efforts placed him second on the event. Mikulak attempted his new upgraded floor exercise routine, nailing his first pass, an Arabian double pike with a half twist, but again struggled on his final pass, a double twisting double back, landing short and putting his hands down.

The finals also saw action from Wolverine alumni Mel Anton Santander, Eddie Umphrey and Andrew Elkind as well as future Wolverine Stacy Ervin. Elkind was one of the top four in points and was awarded a spot on the USA National Team. Three more athletes will be chosen to the national squad at a later time.

The Wolverines return to action next Saturday (Feb. 12) against Illinois at 1 p.m. inside Cliff Keen Arena.

Event-By-Event U-M Individual Scores

FloorIan Makowske        13.80 [28.65]Sam Mikulak         14.25 [28.65] Pommel HorseAdam Hamers         12.75 [26.00] VaultSam Mikulak         16.15 [32.20] (2) High BarIan Makowske        15.35 [29.70] (3) [Two-day total](Two day standing)