NIU men’s gymnastics team had what may be its last performance at Chick Evans Field House in its 279.45-270.95 loss to national power Ohio State.

Last night’s meet would be the last men’s meet if the NIU athletic board decides to do away with the men’s program. The team was told the issue has gone to the board before the meet.

Interim coach Carlos Silvestre said the news may have hindered the Huskies performance as they fell short of Silvestre’s goal of 275 points for the meet.

It may be one of the unluckiest of days for the Huskies as senior Felipe Fulcher injured a finger before the meet, causing him drop out of a few events which may have caused NIU a few points.

Silvestre said, “Under the circumstances I think we performed very well. I think the issues brought to (the NIU gymnasts) were not good for their performance, but Ohio State was the better team and I’m happy because everyone did their best.”

Fulcher and Erik Solky may be the last gymnast seniors to graduate from NIU, and they were presented with awards before the meet. “I was very impressed with Erik’s high bar routine,” said Silvestre, “I was very happy with his new dismount.”

The No.2 nationally ranked Buckeyes (5-1) were looking to gain momentum as they hope to gain a national championship April 19-21 at Houston, Texas.

OSU coach Peter Kormann set the milestone in USA men’s gymnastics when he took the first medal ever in Olympic competition. He said, “NIU put on a very good performance. They always had a strong program and I’m sorry to hear that they may cancel this program. I don’t know very much about NIU athletics but I’ll bet gymnastics has been one of their strongest programs.”

OSU was led by its All-American Mike Racanelli who won the all-around competition with a 55.55 performance. NIU’s Gustavo Boschi took second with a score of 52.90 edging out teammate Genaro Severino who came in third with a score of 52.25.