Yan Inhaber-Courchesne Student Manager | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Yan Inhaber-Courchesne Student Manager | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Illinois men's gymnastics head coach Daniel Ribeiro has announced the addition of Jax Washburn and Nathan Whitaker to the 2024 signing class. The announcement was made on Monday.
"We are so excited to announce the addition of Jax Washburn and Nathan Whitaker to an already star-studded class of incoming freshmen," Ribeiro stated. "Both of these athletes bring passion and a positive attitude that will fit into the outstanding culture we have established."
Jax Washburn, a four-time state all-around champion, is from Oregon Metropolitan Elite Gymnastics Academy in Portland, Oregon. He achieved recognition as the 2023 Junior Elite National high bar champion and is a two-time Elite Team Cup qualifier. Academically, he was named a 2023 AP Scholar and is a four-time USAG Academic All-American. Washburn chose Illinois because "it felt like family, and I wanted to be a part of something special."
"Jax is a well-rounded all-arounder," Ribeiro commented. "He should be fighting for lineup spots on nearly every single event. He is gritty, disciplined, and ruthless with his approach to new skills and upgrades."
Nathan Whitaker comes from Legacy Gymnastics and has earned seven state all-around championships. He placed second on floor at the 2023 Junior Elite Nationals and fifth at the Junior Nationals in 2021. The Lexington, Kentucky native is also recognized as a 2023-2024 Region 5 Elite Team Member, a 2024 Elite Team Cup athlete, and a four-time national qualifier. Whitaker chose Illinois because "it felt like home with an unmatched team culture and motivated coaches."
"Nathan is a tough, fearless competitor," Ribeiro said about him. "We are bringing him in to replace Illini great Connor McCool on the floor, but we will not be sleeping on him on a few other events. His work ethic and fearless approach will surely find himself earning lineup spots on other events throughout his freshman campaign."
The Illinois team is preparing for their upcoming competition in the NCAA Qualifiers scheduled for Friday, April 19 at noon CT at the Covelli Center in Columbus, Ohio.
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