ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten conference announced Tuesday that the University of Illinois sophomore gymnast Hamish Carter was named Big Ten Gymnast of the Week and freshman Connor McCool was tabbed Big Ten Freshman of the Week for the first time in their careers.
The Illini duo was feted for their respective performances in Saturday afternoon's 403.450-339.000 victory over UIC at Huff Hall. The Orange and Blue claimed titles on all six events and improved to 1-0 on the season.
Carter placed first in three events on the day. The West Midlands, UK, native scored a 13.150 on pommel horse (first) and a 14.050 on high bar (first). The sophomore competed for the first time in his career as an all-around performer, coming away with the top score of 82.200. Carter also posted a 13.600 on floor exercise (fourth), a 13.200 on still rings (sixth), a 14.600 on vault (second), and a 13.600 on parallel bars (second), setting a career high on the apparatus.
McCool earned his first career event title on floor after posting a total of 14.300. The native of Wildwood, Mo., also scored a 13.950 on vault to place sixth.
Carter is the first gymnast to earn the award since former Illini Alex Diab won it on March 5, 2019, while McCool is the first Big Ten Freshman of the Week since sophomore teammate Clay Mason Stephens last won it on Jan. 29, 2019.
Up Next
Illinois will head to Chicago to seek their sixth consecutive title at the Windy City Invitational, hosted by UIC, on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 7:30 p.m. CT. Along with the Illini and UIC, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Northern Illinois and Stanford will be in attendance.
Next Home Meet
Join the Fighting Illini men's gymnastics team for a dual meet against Nebraska on Saturday, Feb. 1, in Huff Hall at 2 p.m. CT., in the Illini Ninja Warrior Competition meet.
At the conclusion of the meet, fans will have an opportunity to take part in our annual Illini Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course Competition, to see if they have what it takes. Prizes for first, second and third place will be distributed at the end.
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Stay tuned to FIGHTINGILLINI.com for all the latest information on Fighting Illini Men's Gymnastics. Follow the Orange and Blue on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for even more coverage.
