April 10 - April 16, 2023

Ashton Anaya | SO., Men's Gymnastics | Major: information Sciences

Ashton Anaya captured one of two individual national titles for the Fighting Illini at the 2023 NCAA Men's Gymnastics Championship last Saturday evening in State College, Pa. 

Anaya claimed top honors on the still rings, while teammate Ian Skirkey clinched the individual title on the pommel horse, giving the Illini two individual national champions for the first time since 2012 (CJ Maestas, still rings; Paul Ruggeri, vault). 

Anaya's performance on the still rings set the tone early, as the Orange and Blue went on to score a season-high 415.590 points to secure a third-place national finish as a team, the squad's best since 2018. 

"This was a magical finish to an already incredibly successful season," head coach Daniel Ribeiro said. "This was a selfless team with a special energy and it all came together on the final night at NCAAs. We could not have done this without the help and support of my assistant coaches and support staff. This was an all-out team effort and everyone deserves credit for this special season."

Illinois began on the still rings where Anaya secured a 14.800 right out of the gate. The number remained unmatched for the remainder of the competition, allowing Anaya to be crowned as the event champ. 

Anaya's performance also secured his second consecutive NCAA All-America honor, and added to his already lengthy list of career accomplishments which includes 2022 and 2023 Big Ten still rings titles.

Anaya, from Elk Grove, Calif., is a sophomore studying information sciences at Illinois. 

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º2022-23 Scholar Athlete of the Week Winners