After losing the most decorated gymnast OU history, U.S. Olympian Jonathan Horton, the men’s gymnastics team had somewhat lowered expectations for this year.

Although the team was looking to claim the program’s ninth NCAA crown, the OU men’s gymnastics team placed third at nationals posting a 361.200. The score was one of the highest of the season for the Sooners.

Stanford took first with a 362.800, and Michigan finished second with a 361.500.

Sophomore Steven Legendre, the 2009 all-around national champion, has shown the potential to follow Horton’s footsteps.

Last year, he was the first freshman in the history of OU to win two individual titles at the NCAA National Championship. This year, Legendre won three, the most by a gymnast this season. In addition to his all-around title, Legendre claimed the floor and vault titles.

Twice this year, the Port Jefferson N.Y., native was named the College Gymnastics Association Gymnast of the Week.

Along with senior Chris Brooks, Legendre was selected to the U.S. Senior National Team. The two were the first OU gymnasts selected to the team since Horton.

Despite the loss of Horton, the Sooners fought through adversity and marked the 2008-2009 season with accomplishments.

The Sooners broke an NCAA scoring record on March 21, posting a 366.850 against No. 8 Penn State.

Additionally, OU (12-0) went undefeated in the regular season for the third time under Williams.

At nationals, six Sooners earned All-American Honors: Legendre, Brooks, seniors Jacob Messina, Russell Czeschin and Kyle McNamara, and sophomore Bobby Shortle.