No. 5 Huskers make season debut at Rocky Mountain Open

The Nebraska men’s gymnastics team is set to travel to the Air Force Academy to compete at the Rocky Mountain Open on Saturday, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. (CT) in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Nebraska will take on Air Force, Arizona State Club Team, Oklahoma, Rocky Mountain Mavericks, Stanford and GymACT teams at the Cadet West Gym. The meet is available to stream on YouTube.

The Huskers have 11 gymnasts returning this season and eight newcomers. 

The 11 returning for Nebraska are Asher Cohen, Luke James, Nathan York, Jack Critz, Chase Mondi, Alex Nitache, Max Odden, Cole Partridge, Nik Tarca, Caden Clinton and Anthony Koppie. The eight rookies include Ethan Cox, Sasha Shybitov, Tristen Nye, Ty Roderiques, Sam Rakita, Wyatt Reynolds, Rome Whimpey and Grant Bowers.

Honoring a Husker legend

Nebraska’s assistant men’s gymnastics coach Jim Hartung passed away on Jan. 10, 2026. Hartung, 65, has been an assistant coach for 21 seasons. He was an incredible coach and gymnast who was respected and loved by many. He was Nebraska’s first Nissen-Emery Award winner in 1982. He was a two-time member of the United States Olympic team, helping the U.S. to its first and only team gold medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

“The Nebraska Athletic Department is deeply saddened to announce the passing of assistant men’s gymnastics coach Jim Hartung on Saturday night. Our condolences go out to Jim’s family, friends, and everyone he has impacted during his remarkable life in gymnastics from a national champion athlete at Nebraska to an Olympic gold medalist to a successful coach. Jim is a true Husker legend and his impact on the sport of gymnastics will carry on for decades to come. Our department will provide all available resources and support for our men’s gymnastics student-athletes and coaching staff during this very difficult time.”

Last Time Out

Nebraska earned fourth place at the 2025 NCAA Championships with five athletes earning All-America honors. Those gymnasts include graduates Chris Hiser and Taylor Christopulos, and returners Chase Mondi, Max Odden and Asher Cohen.

Scouting the Competition

No. 8 Air Force

Nebraska holds an 89-8 record against Air Force

No. 2 Oklahoma

Nebraska will face Oklahoma twice this season. The Sooners lead all-time with a 118-108-2 record.

No. 15 Simpson

Nebraska has a 2-0 record against the Storm. The Huskers are set to face them three times this season.

No. 3 Stanford

Stanford leads with a 55-23 record over the Huskers.

Quick Notes

• This is Nebraska’s 37th time competing at the Rocky Mountain Open.
• At the 2025 Rocky Mountain Open, the Huskers placed third with Taylor Christopulos winning the high bar and Chase Mondi placing second on floor. 
• Nebraska is ranked second in the 2026 Big Ten preseason poll.
• Nebraska is ranked fifth in the NCAA preseason rankings.

Follow the Huskers

Fans can follow @HuskerMGym on Facebook, Instagram or X for live updates during the meet.