CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Ahead of the 2022 men's gymnastics season, junior Connor McCool and senior Ian Skirkey were named Big Ten Gymnasts to Watch, and the Illini were picked to finish fourth in the B1G by the conference coaches.
Skirkey enters the 2022 season as the reigning NCAA National Champion on the pommel horse after a stellar 2021 season that included an all-American honor and second team all-B1G honors following his runner-up performance at the 2021 B1G Championships.
McCool enters the 2022 season following an all-American season on the Floor Exercise and a runner-up performance on the floor at the 2021 B1G Championships, earning him second team all-B1G honors.
After Minnesota and Iowa discontinued their programs following the 2021 season, the llini were picked to finish fourth in the newly restructured five team conference. Michigan was the unanimous choice to finish at the top after finishing atop the conference in the regular season and the championship event in 2021. Nebraska, who finished second in the B1G last season, was picked to finish second in the conference, followed by Penn State in third. Illinois and Ohio State wrap up the preseason poll in the fourth and fifth spots, respectively.
2021-22 B1G MEN'S GYMNASTICS PRESEASON POLL
- Michigan (unanimous)
- Nebraska
- Penn State
- Illinois
- Ohio State
2021-22 B1G GYMNASTS TO WATCH
Connor McCool, Jr., Illinois
Ian Skirkey, Sr., Illinois
Crew Bold, Jr., Michigan
Evgeny Siminiuc, So., Michigan
Taylor Christopulos, So., Nebraska
Sam Phillips, Jr., Nebraska
Justin Ah Chow, Jr., Ohio State
Jesse Tyndall, Sr., Ohio State
Matt Cormier, So., Penn State
Michael Jaroh, So., Penn State
UP NEXT
The Illini begin the 2022 season on Saturday, Jan. 15 at the 51st annual Windy City Invitational at the Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago, Ill. Illinois will compete against fellow Big Ten foes Michigan and Ohio State, as well as club teams Iowa, Minnesota, UIC, and Northern Illinois.
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