UIC picks Nelson to lead men's gymnastics program

Posted August 11, 2010 11:00 pm

Former Flames standout gymnast and assistant coach Charley Nelson is the new head men's gymnastics coach.

Nelson replaced "CJ" Johnson, who announced his retirement effective Aug. 31 after 36 years as UIC's head coach.

"Charley is a dedicated, hard-working professional who helped our men's gymnastics program accomplish great things during his time as a student-athlete and an assistant coach," said UIC director of athletics Jim Schmidt .

"I am both humbled and thankful to Jim Schmidt and [Associate Athletic Director] Tonya McGowan for this incredible opportunity," said Nelson. "Very few people have the chance to lead an NCAA men's gymnastics program. It might go without saying, but I believe in UIC. I am a proud and active alumnus, and I look forward to furthering this university's academic and athletic mission."

Nelson has served as an assistant for the Flames since 2000. He helped the Flames win three Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Championships, including titles in each of the last two years, and make three NCAA postseason appearances as an assistant coach.

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