Jan. 23, 2012

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Newcomer C.J. Maestas swept the Big Ten men's gymnastics honors this week, garnering both Gymnast and Freshman of the Week accolades, the conference office announced Monday. The Corrales, N.M., native earned four titles Saturday night to lead No. 4 Illinois to a 352.300-326.200 victory over No. 13 Iowa.

In only his second meet as an Illini, Maestas captured his second all-around (86.800) and rings (15.600) titles, improving his scores in both. The Illini newcomer also won on pommel horse (15.000) and floor (15.600) and finished third on vault (14.600). Maestas now leads the Illini with six titles this season.

This marks his first Big Ten Gymnast of the Week honor and second consecutive Freshman of the Week accolade and is the first Big Ten Gymnast of the Week for Illinois since Austin Phillips earned the title on March 28, 2011. Maestas was named both Big Ten Freshman and NCAA Gymnast of the Week following his debut performance at Windy City last week.

The Illini will return to action next weekend at Huff Hall for their first home meet of the season, taking on No. 3 Oklahoma and No. 6 Michigan on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 5 p.m.