URBANA, Ill. - Two Illini, Brandon Dang and Sam Phillips, earned Big Ten weekly awards after the team's first week of competition. The teammates helped lead the Illini to a 321.700-316.000 victory over then-No. 4 Michigan at the Windy City Invitational on Jan. 18.
Sophomore Brandon Dang notched Specialist of the Week honors after he stepped up for the Illini on pommel horse and delivered a 14.700, the eventual event-winning score. He currently sits at No. 1 in the nation on the apparatus. Last season, Dang earned five Big Ten freshmen of the week honors as well as two Big Ten Specialist of the Week nods.
Redshirt-senior Sam Phillips snagged Gymnast of the Week honors after he took the top spot in the all-around (80.100), automatically qualifying him for this year's Winter Cup. His 13.900 on the still rings was not only a career-high score, but earned him his first event title with the Orange and Blue in as many meets. Phillips also scored a 13.400 on floor, 11.750 on pommel horse, 13.650 on vault, 13.500 on parallel bars, and 13.900 on high bar to round out the event.
The Illini are back in action on Jan. 25 at No. 1 Oklahoma at 6 p.m. CT
Big Ten Weekly Awards - Jan. 21, 2025
Co-Gymnasts of the Week: Sam Phillips, Illinois & Caden Spencer, Ohio State
Specialist of the Week: Brandon Dang, Illinois
Freshman of the Week: Aaronson Mansberger, Michigan
