Event ResultsÂ
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - After a stellar performance and a Big Ten team title last night, the Fighting Illini men's gymnastics team earned more hardware on Saturday, as Alex Diab and Chandler Eggleston each came away with a Big Ten event title. Diab posted a 14.525 to claim his third consecutive title on still rings, while Eggleston won the title on high bar, scoring a 14.250.Â
"I'm not going to lie, I told the guys this is fantastic but we have a lot more work to do and we have to finish something we started this season," head coach Justin Spring said. "That happens in Chicago in two weeks. In front of what I think is going to be largely a home crowd. The guys are real excited about it and I think they are going to compete with a lot more freewill having a Big Ten Championship under their belt. NCAA's is just a free run for them to go after it."
After team competition on Friday, nine Illini gymnasts qualified for event finals, including Bobby Baker, Tyson Bull, Alex Diab, Johnny Jacobson, Jacob Light, Brandon Ngai, Sebastian Quiana and Ross Thompson. Starting the meet on floor, Quiana posted the top total for the Illini, coming away with a 14.175 to place fourth on the event. Pommel horse was up next and two-time Big Ten Champion, Brandon Ngai placed third with a 13.950.Â
The Orange and Blue had a strong showing on rings, as Diab and Baker finished first (14.525) and second (14.350), respectively. With the title, Diab moves into a tie for first all time in school history for rings titles in a single season (nine) and third all time for career titles on the event (19). Light saw his way to the podium on vault after the sophomore posted a run of 14.225 to place sixth overall.Â
Illinois gymnasts made up four of the 10 competitors on high bar, as Eggleston, Thompson, Baker and Bull all competed for UI. Eggleston posted a 14.250 and came away with the title, while Thompson finished in fifth-place with a 13.650. Saturday marked the second Big Ten title for Eggleston, as the Jamestown, North Carolina, native won the floor exercise championship back in 2014.Â
On parallel bars, Baker and Jacobson finished ninth and tenth, respectively with scores of 13.100 and 12.925.Â
Following competition, four Illini gymnasts earned All-Big Ten recognition. Bobby Baker, Alex Diab and Chandler Eggleston were named First Team All-Big Ten honorees, while Brandon Ngai earned second-team honors. Jacob Light was also honored as a Big Ten Sportmanship award recipient.Â
Looking Ahead
With the Big Ten Championships in the books, the Orange and Blue will get set for the NCAA Championships, held in Chicago, April 20 & 21.
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