Schooley, Whitaker Earn Titles at CGA All-Star

URBANA, Ill. –  The East team fell just short of the West by a score of 225.825-225.550* at the third-annual College Gymnastics Association (CGA) All-Star competition on Friday. Six Illini represented the East in this year's iteration of the meet. 

Freshman Nathan Whitaker started the East and the Illini off strong, scoring a 9.625 on floor. The Lexington, Ky., native would claim the event title, but the West team led by a score of 37.300-37.100 after the first rotation.

Brandon Dang and Will Hauke were up next on pommel horse, attempting to keep the East within striking distance. Dang scored a 9.700, which was good for second, and Hauke followed close behind in third with a 9.650.

No Illini competed on still rings as the West maintained its lead through the third rotation.

Next, Garrett Schooley stepped up to vault and earned a 9.700 for the East team, claiming the event title before competing again on parallel bars. Schooley's 9.250 was good for sixth place on the apparatus.

The competition was closed out by Tate Costa and Sam Phillips on high bar. Phillips earned a 9.750 and finished third in the event, while Costa took fourth with a score of 9.600.

Illinois will start the season on Jan. 18 at the Windy City Invite, facing Michigan and Northern Illinois.

*The CGA All-Star competition was judged on a 10.0 scoring system.