Bruins to Host 6 Top Gym Teams

The UCLA-Los Angeles Times Men’s Gymnastics Invitational, featuring defending NCAA champion UCLA and six other top-rated college teams, will begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Pauley Pavilion.

The Bruins, who won their first NCAA title last year, suffered heavy graduation losses but still boast sophomore Tony Pineda, Mexico’s national champion who finished 23rd in the 1984 Olympics and eighth in the all-around at last year’s NCAA championships, and Rob Campbell, a member of the U.S. national team.

Top-ranked and unbeaten Arizona State has defeated seven opponents, including UCLA, and scored a season-high 282.05 points in a recent win over Brigham Young. The Sun Devils are led by twins Dennis and Dan Hayden, both members of the U.S. team.

Nebraska, which won five of the last six NCAA championships, is ranked sixth in the nation. The Cornhuskers are led by U.S. team member Wes Suter, their top man in the all-around, and promising sophomore Neil Palmer. Nebraska Coach Francis Allen also has two of the nation’s top recruits in Ken Davis and Mike Epperson.