DENVER - The University of Denver gymnastics head coach Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart announced today the departure of assistant coach Nilson Savage and that volunteer coach Huneth Lor will be temporarily picking up additional practice duties on bars and vault.

"Huneth Lor has already had a positive impact on our program and we are excited for her to be further involved with the team," Kutcher-Rinehart said. "We would also like to thank Nilson Savage for everything that he contributed to DU gymnastics."

Savage spent two and a half years at DU, working closely with five-time All-American Jessica López, who finished her college career as the most decorated gymnast in DU history with 83 individual event titles and 12 program record scores. In 2008, Savage helped the Pioneers to a second consecutive NCAA National Championships appearance.

There will be a national search for a new assistant coach at the end of the 2010 season.

No. 19 Denver is off to an 8-2 start this season, highlighted by four first-place finishes. The Pioneers travel to the prestigious IGI Chicago Style Invite and will face No. 10 Nebraska, No. 20 Illinois and Iowa on Friday at 6:30 p.m. MT.