
Photo by Reghan Kyle/University of Oklahoma
NORMAN – Oklahoma men’s gymnastics newcomer Francisco Velez Belendez was named the MPSF Freshman of the Week after his performance at the Rocky Mountain Open on Saturday night, the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation announced Tuesday.
Velez Belendez, a native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, scored a career-high 13.800 on still rings to tie for fifth place on the event at the Rocky Mountain Open, which was hosted by the Air Force Academy. His start value of 5.2 was the second highest on rings in the meet and the highest among the four gymnasts who scored 13.800 (the next highest start value among those tied was 4.7). He improved his rings score by nearly a point from his 12.950 on opening weekend.
Oklahoma returns to McCasland Field House on Saturday night to face Illinois. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for introductions at 5:45 p.m., and the first routine will start at 6 p.m. Tickets are available for just $7 ($5 for youth and seniors) and can be purchased through the OU Athletics Ticket Office. It is Twisters Night, and the first 100 fans through the doors can receive a free Dusty Davis-style old school OU logo cap (worn in the original “Twister” movie) and the National Weather Center will have a tornado safety information table. Fans can also take advantage of $2 beer, soda and popcorn at the concessions stands.
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.