CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Brandon Dang and Ian Sandoval once again claim Big Ten weekly honors, the conference announced on Feb. 11.
Dang earned Specialist of the Week for the second time this season, and the fourth time of his career. The sophomore earned a season-high 14.800 on pommel horse at then-No. 7 Michigan on Saturday, Feb. 8. The sophomore specialist has now earned four-straight titles to start the year, with his most-recent margin of victory being 0.650 points ahead of second place. Dang now ranks second nationally on pommel horse.
Sandoval notched his second-consecutive Freshman of the Week honors, after winning on Feb. 4. The newcomer continued his ascent against then-No. 7 Michigan on Feb. 8, earning career highs on pommel horse (13.850) and high bar (13.150) on his way to the all-around title. The freshman now ranks fourth in the nation on vault, and first in the all-around.
Dang and Sandoval, along with Preston Ngai and Hasan Aydogdu, will take on the Winter Cup Feb. 21-23. Then, the team will resume action on March 1 in Huff Hall against Army and Greenville at 1 p.m. CT.
Big Ten Weekly Awards - Feb. 11, 2025
Gymnast of the Week - Fred Richards, Michigan
Specialist of the Week - Brandon Dang, Illinois
Freshman of the Week -Â Ian Sandoval, Illinois
