March 24, 2008

PHILADELPHIA - Senior Luke Vexler of the Temple men's gymnastics team has been named one of seven finalists for the Nissen-Emery Award, given annually to the nation's top senior men's gymnast. Considered the Heisman Trophy of collegiate gymnastics, the Nissen-Emery Award will be presented at the 2008 NCAA Men's Gymnastics Championships banquet on Wednesday, April 16, in Stanford, Calif.

Vexler has been a force for the Cherry and White all season long, capturing three first place finishes in the all-around, two first place finishes on the rings and floor and one first place on the pommel horse, vault and horizontal bars for the season. He has posted season highs of 87.15 for the all-around, 15.25 for the floor event, 15.55 for the vault and 14.90 on the rings.

Established in 1966, the Nissen-Emery Award honors the collegiate senior gymnast who has established an outstanding record of achievement in gymnastics, good sportsmanship, fair play, and scholarship throughout his collegiate career.

In addition to Vexler, the other 2008 award finalists include D.J. Bucher (Ohio State), Wes Haagensen (Illinois), Derek Helsby (Penn State), Tim McNeill (California), David Sender (Stanford) and Jonathan Horton (Oklahoma).

Vexler and the Owls (9-5) will be looking to defend their ECAC Championship when they travel to West Point for the 2008 ECAC Championships on Friday, April 4th.