Big Ten Release

ROSEMONT, Ill. – The defending Big Ten Champion Fighting Illini men's gymnastics team took the top spot in the 2019 Big Ten Preseason Coaches' Poll, the conference announced Thursday. Senior Alex Diab and junior Sebastian Quiana were also named to the Gymnasts to Watch list.

Illinois came away with the program's 28th Big Ten title a year ago in Ann Arbor, Michigan, putting up a season-best team score of 413.900. Diab earned hardware of his own, finishing with the top still rings routine to become the only Illini gymnast ever to win three-straight Big Ten championships on the event. The Glen Ellyn, Illinois, native is also the reigning national champion on rings and is a three-time First Team All-Big Ten honoree.

After an impressive sophomore campaign, which included All-America honors on floor exercise, Quiana enters this season with high expectations. The junior has earned six career event titles, including three on floor, two on parallel bars and one on high bar.

The Illini kick off their regular season with a dual meet matchup at home with UIC on January 12th. Meet competition begins at 4 p.m. CT.

The complete Big Ten Coaches' Poll and Gymnasts to Watch list can be found below.

2019 Big Ten Men's Gymnastics Coaches' Poll

1. Illinois
2. Minnesota
3. Michigan 
4. Penn State
5. Ohio State 
6. Nebraska
7. Iowa

2019 Big Ten Men's Gymnasts to Watch List

Alex Diab, Sr. ILL

Sebastian Quiana, Jr. ILL

Jake Brodarzon, Sr., IOWA

Rogelio Vazquez, Sr., IOWA

Cameron Bock, So., MICH

Jake Moore, So., MICH

Vitali Kan, Sr., MINN

Shane Wiskus, So., MINN

Jake Bonnay, Jr., NEB

Anton Stephenson, Sr., NE

Max Andryushchenko, So., OSU

Alec Yoder, Sr., OSU

Wyatt Tyndall, Sr., PSU

Sam Zakutney, Jr., PSU

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