Chambana Sun

Tate Costa, a sophomore gymnast, recently claimed the NCAA horizontal bar title, marking a significant achievement in his athletic career. Competing in all-around events, Costa finished his final apparatus and was initially unaware of his victory until he saw the scoreboard. "I was like, 'Oh shoot, I just won.' I didn't even know," he remarked.

Costa's triumph makes him the first Illini to win the NCAA high bar title since 2015 and the program's first multi-event All-American since 2019. Reflecting on his success, Costa stated, "It means the world. I just got the job done on the day and was super excited to be able to come away with a national title."

His journey to this point has been marked by determination and hard work. After witnessing his teammates achieve national glory last year while competing solely on high bar as a freshman, Costa felt motivated to reach similar heights himself. "I definitely had some fire under my butt coming into this past offseason and worked pretty hard," he said.

Costa's efforts paid off early in the season when he earned all-around titles at both the Windy City Invitational and against Greenville in dual meets. His performance continued to impress as he secured Big Ten Men's Gymnast of the Week honors following Illinois' victory over Michigan.

The Illini went on to win their first Big Ten regular-season title with Costa contributing significantly throughout their campaign. At the conference championships held at State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois finished second as a team.

Approaching this year's NCAA Championships with increased confidence compared to last year, Costa aimed for an All-American status and succeeded by earning an all-around title during qualifying rounds before winning fourth place overall.

In what became known as Super Six competition night where gymnasts competed across multiple rotations including high bars scoring system where tie-breakers were resolved through execution scores - it was here that Tate clinched victory alongside two other competitors scoring 13:900 points each but securing tiebreaker based upon highest execution score ultimately leading him towards championship win!

Reflecting back upon achievements so far within collegiate sports career journey thus far expressed satisfaction stating how realization dawned during course current competitive period potential existed reaching pinnacle success now attained early stage schooling tenure: “I came realization season potential do really focused doing kept head down job every day gym saw took me very happy being able reach point early collegiate career.”

As Tate prepares for next season having been named one three captains upcoming squad hopes build individual accomplishments further advance team's aspirations achieving greater postseason glory nationwide level competitions ahead; maintaining momentum gained recent victories moving forward future endeavors remains top priority mindset attitude carries forward proudly declares continuing commitment personal growth development remaining ever-present motivational force driving ambitions higher heights forthcoming challenges await horizon beyond current triumphs achieved today... “I'm going upgrade get after new skills carry confidence into next year,” explained adding further sentiments about sustaining momentum built previous successes building foundation continue pushing limits abilities strive excellence perseverance dedication unwavering pursuit excellence evident words actions alike: "This year definitely builds up lot confidence going continue confident reigning national champion act perform hopefully more successful upcoming years motivation stopping excited about that."