University of Illinois
Big Ten Championships - Individual Event Finals
Ribeiro, Wiest Claim Big Ten Individual Titles
April 2, 2011 | Men's Gymnastics
April 2, 2011
Complete Results | 
Photo Gallery
CHAMPAIGN, ill. - One day after capturing a third straight Big Ten team title, two Illini were crowned individual event champions Saturday night at Huff Hall, as senior Daniel Ribeiro won his second straight Big Ten title on pommel horse and third overall, while fellow senior Chad Wiest earned his first-career title on floor. Additionally, head coach Justin Spring was named Big Ten Coach of the Year for the second straight season.
"I'm so proud of the guys," Spring said. "They make the coaching staff look good and it's all about them and their ability to go out and compete under pressure. They were able to do their job last night and today and it's fantastic to see we have a lot of great competitors. It's mind-blowing to me how talented and amazing Chad has been on floor. He went through some terrible injuries for two years that kept him out, so for him to come back and win this is more than deserving for him. Daniel came in as a freshman and won a title and has just been a rock on one of our most inconsistent events and we're really going to miss that next year."
Three Illini garnered first-team All-Big Ten accolades, including Ribeiro, Wiest, and junior Tyler Mizoguchi, who finished third in Friday night's all-around competition. Freshman Jordan Valdez was named Illinois' Big Ten Sportsmanship honoree. The student-athletes chosen are individuals who have distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior. In addition, the student-athletes must be in good academic standing and have demonstrated good citizenship outside of the sports-competition setting.
Sam Mikulak of Michigan took home Gymnast and Freshman of the Year accolades.
Several Illini also finished in the top five including Mizoguchi on vault (5th; 16.150), Valdez on high bar (3rd; 14.450), freshman Alex Varga on floor (4th; 14.650), junior C.J. Padera on pommel horse (4th; 14.050) and parallel bars (3rd; 14.650), junior Anthony Sacramento on rings (5th; 15.200), and sophomore Yoshi Mori on pommel horse (4th; 14.050).
The Illini return to action in two weeks for the 2011 NCAA Championships, April 14-16 in Columbus, Ohio.
Big Ten Individual Event Finals - Illinois Results
April 2, 2011
Floor
1. Chad Wiest 15.400
4. Alex Varga 14.650
6. Tyler Mizoguchi 14.350
Pommel Horse
1. Daniel Ribeiro 15.900
4. C.J. Padera 14.050
5. Yoshi Mori 14.000
6. Tyler Mizoguchi 13.950
Rings
5. Anthony Sacramento 15.200
10. Kyle Moe 14.550
Vault
5. Tyler Mizoguchi 16.150
