The final chapter in the saga of NIU’s mens’ gymnastic team was written on Saturday. And the closing line can be summed up in one word: ironic.

Genaro Severino, the last Huskie gymnast still competing for NIU in the final year of the program, pulled his hamstring at the NCAA Championship meet forcing him to withdraw from the competition.

The entire men’s gymnastics program is being pulled after this season based on the recommendation of NIU Athletic Director Gerald O’Dell and the Athletic Board. Men’s gymnastics is being cut to make room for NIU’s re-emerging baseball program as part of NIU’s new affiliation with the Association of Mid-Continent Universities Conference.

Severino had advanced to the NCAA Championship finals, at the University of Minnesota, in the vault competition based on his performance in Thursdays’ preliminary qualification round.

On Thursday the freshman tied for eighth among 68 competitors, finishing in the final open spot for advancement to Saturday’s finals at Williams Arena.

While warming up for the vault finals, Severino pulled his right hamstring, but still attempted to take part in the competition. After also injuring his knee and scoring a relatively low 8.70 on his first vault, Severino decided not to make any further attempts.

“It’s really unfortunate to get so far and to get hurt,” said NIU coach Carlos Silvestre. “It is very frustrating, especially with all the preperation.

“Being one of the top nine vaulters is something to be very proud of, but it’s still disheartening to not be able to even compete for the All-America honor,” Silvestre said.

All-America status is given to the top six finishers at the Championships in each event. Based on his qualification for the finals, Severino officialy finished ninth in the NCAA in vaulting and brings to a close NIU’s 32-year old men’s gymnastics program.