Johnson Wins U.S. Gymnastics Title; Lakes Finishes Second, Daggett Third

Scott Johnson of Lincoln, Neb., amassed 57.5 points in the optionals Friday night to win the men’s competition in the U.S. Gymnastics Championships.

Johnson’s total of 114.70 points in the optionals and compulsories enabled him to edge Charles Lakes of Newhall, Calif., who had 112.65. Tim Daggett of Los Angeles, the defending national champion, finished third with 112.45 points in his first competition since suffering a career-threatening neck injury last February.

The top 18 finishers won spots on the U.S. National team to compete in the Pam American Games in August.

The other 15 male qualifiers for the national team, in order: Kevin Davis (Nebraska); Mike Rice (Oklahoma); Tom Schlesinger (Nebraska); Curtis Holdsworth (UCLA); Robert Brown (Minnesota); Jon Omori (Tucson Gym Center); Billy Paul (unattached); David Moriel (UCLA); John Sweeney (Houston Baptist); Dan Bachman (Hawkeye Club); Chris Laux (Penn State); Dominick Minicucci (Surgents Gym); Wes Suter (Nebraska); Mike Chaplin (UCLA), and Neil Palmer (Nebraska).

The women’s competition will conclude Sunday, with the top 20 women winning spots on the U.S. National team.