Don Osborn Men's Assistant Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Don Osborn Men's Assistant Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
The College Gymnastics Association (CGA) and the Big Ten have released their coaches' preseason polls. The Illinois men's gymnastics team is predicted to finish third in the Big Ten and fifth nationally according to the CGA poll.
"The only thing we see moving forward is the number one spot," stated head coach Daniel Ribeiro. "We are too focused and dialed in to let the preseason polls serve as motivation."
Illinois will bring back six All-Americans, including Tate Costa, the 2024 high bar national champion. Additionally, they have acquired Sam Phillips, a two-time All-American from Nebraska.
The Big Ten's Gymnasts to Watch list features Illini sophomores Preston Ngai and Garrett Schooley. Coach Ribeiro expressed confidence in these athletes: "These two sophomores are loaded with talent and have made the moves they needed to make this offseason to take them to the next level."
Ngai participated in eight meets last season, achieving career highs at both the Big Ten Championships (14.900 on vault) and NCAA Qualifiers (14.300 on pommel horse). Schooley also competed in eight meets, securing titles in vault and all-around while consistently improving his personal bests across all events.
Illinois is set to begin its season on January 18 at the Windy City Invite.
Alerts Sign-up