Jan. 20, 2014
Big Ten Release
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - After a stellar debut at Huff Hall that witnessed the No. 11 Fighting Illini win its tri-meet with a 196.175, the Big Ten office took notice by awarding Erin Buchanan Freshman of the Week. The honor is Buchanan's first ever conference award as she becomes the third gymnast in Illinois history to be named Freshman of the Week, following in Amber See's and Giana O'Connor's footsteps.
On Saturday, Buchanan started on vault where she finished in second place and scored a 9.775 for the second straight week. Buchanan then wrapped her day on floor exercise where she earned the highest marks at the meet. The Virginia native produced a 9.925 to capture her first collegiate individual title.
Thus, Buchanan is off to strong start on floor. Her average of 9.888 leads all Illini on the event and is tied for 17th in the country. In addition, the freshman currently ranks fourth on floor amongst all Big Ten gymnasts, trailing just Nebraska's Emily Wong (9.950), Michigan's Joanna Sampson (9.938) and Minnesota's Lindsay Mable (9.933).
Buchanan and the rest of the Orange and Blue hit the road to Minneapolis next, for a Big Ten battle vs. No. 13 Minnesota. The meet is slated to begin at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25.
