OU Photo by Morgan Givens
NORMAN – Oklahoma men’s gymnastics freshman Francisco Velez Belendez was named the CGA Co-Rookie of the Week after his performance in OU’s wins over then-No. 3 Stanford and No. 12 Greenville on Saturday night, the College Gymnastics Association announced Wednesday.
Velez Belendez notched a team season-high 14.350 on still rings to help lead Oklahoma to a 329.100 team total defeat Stanford (328.850) and Greenville (308.800). He was the fourth Sooner to stick his rings dismount, as OU notched a season-best 56.500 on the event. Velez Belendez surpassed his previous career-high score by .250 points to finish second on rings during the meet. The San Juan, Puerto Rico, product ranks third nationally on still rings with his 3-score average of 14.083. He shared the weekly award with Illinois’ Ian Sandoval.
This is Velez Belendez’s first CGA weekly award, and OU’s third this season. Junior Ignacio Yockers was named CGA Specialist of the Week on Jan. 15 and junior Kelton Christiansen was named Specialist of the Week on Jan. 29.
Oklahoma returns to McCasland Field House on Saturday to face No. 6 Michigan and No. 14 Simpson at 5:45 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. This is OU’s final home meet of the season and Senior Night. The first 100 fans can receive a free retro-design seniors poster. Fans can take advantage of $2 beer, soda and popcorn and the team will sign autographs after the meet. Tickets are available for just $7 ($5 for youth and seniors) and can be purchased through the OU Athletics Ticket Office.
For updates and more information on Oklahoma men’s gymnastics, follow the Sooners on Twitter and Instagram (@OU_MGymnastics) and like Oklahoma Men’s Gymnastics on Facebook.
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