May 3, 2006

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Fighting Illini men's and women's gymnastics teams gathered together to celebrate the season accomplishments of both squads in 2006 Saturday evening at the annual awards banquet held at Kennedy's at Stone Creek. Junior Cara Pomeroy (Ottawa, Ont./Napean) and freshman Julie Crall (Cincinnati, Ohio/Ursuline Academy) were named Most Outstanding for the women's team, while 2006 Nissen-Emery winner, Justin Spring (Burke, Va./Lake Braddock), took home the honor for the men.

Both teams spent the night honoring the accomplishments of the past season and saying goodbye to their seniors, acknowledging their achievements athletically and academically. Illinois women's gymnasts Katie Wild (Mendota Heights, Minn./ Cretin-Detin) and Emily Earle (St. Petersburg, Fla./Canterbury) along with men's gymnasts Ted Brown (Westfield, N.J./Springfield College), Adam Pummer (Allentown, Pa./William and Allen), Spring and Anthony Russo (Linden, N.J./Roselle Catholic) said goodbye to their teammates and shared memories from their past four season as an Illini.

For the women's team, Pomeroy and Wild shared the Most Consistent Beam Award and freshman Ursula Orozco (Des Plaines, Ill./Maine West) was named Most Improved. Pomeroy was also named the squad's MVP along with Singer. Senior Katie Wild (Mendota Heights, Minn./Cretin-Detin) concluded her career with the Orange and Blue by receiving the scholar-athlete award along with senior Emily Earl (St. Petersburg, Fla./Canterbury), both athletes have excelled in the classroom throughout their careers.

Pummer received the men's MVP after a successful senior campaign that included two All-America awards. Sophomore Ross Bradley (Naperville, Ill./Naperville North) was named the Most Improved and sophomore Michael Boyer (Northbrook, Ill./Glenbrook North) took home the Academic Achievement honor.

In addition to the team awards, next year's team captains were announced. For the women, Singer, Pomeroy and Danye Botterman (New Lenox, Ill./Chicago Christian) were named while Boyer and Wesley Hageensen were given the role for the men.

The Illini finished the season with a second-place finish at nationals, boasting 14 All-Americans and two national champions. The 2006 season saw the women's team reach their third-straight Regional qualification. The women placed fourth at the South Central Regional Championships and finished the season with a No. 25 team ranking.

Women
MVP - Cara Pomeroy & Melissa Singer
Most Outstanding - Cara Pomeroy & Julie Crall
Most Improved - Ursula Orozco
Most Consistent Beam - Cara Pomeroy & Katie Wild
Scholar-Athlete Award - Katie Wild & Emily Earle

Men
MVP - Adam Pummer
Most Outstanding - Justin Spring
Most Improved - Ross Bradley
Academic Achievement - Michael Boyer