Huff Hall | University of Illinois Fighting Illini
Huff Hall | University of Illinois Fighting Illini
Two athletes from the University of Illinois, Brandon Dang and Sam Phillips, have been recognized with Big Ten weekly awards following their team's recent competition. The Illini secured a victory over Michigan with a score of 321.700 to 316.000 at the Windy City Invitational on January 18.
Brandon Dang, a sophomore, was awarded Specialist of the Week honors for his performance on the pommel horse, achieving a score of 14.700, which was the winning score for that event. He is currently ranked No. 1 nationally in this apparatus. Last season, Dang received five Big Ten Freshman of the Week awards and two Big Ten Specialist of the Week honors.
Sam Phillips, a redshirt senior, earned Gymnast of the Week recognition after topping the all-around competition with a score of 80.100, securing his qualification for this year's Winter Cup. His performance included a career-high score of 13.900 on still rings, marking his first event title with Illinois in as many meets. Phillips also recorded scores across various events: 13.400 on floor exercise, 11.750 on pommel horse, 13.650 on vault, 13.500 on parallel bars, and another 13.900 on high bar.
The Illini are scheduled to compete again against Oklahoma on January 25 at 6 p.m.
Big Ten Weekly Awards - January 21, 2025:
- Co-Gymnasts of the Week: Sam Phillips (Illinois) & Caden Spencer (Ohio State)
- Specialist of the Week: Brandon Dang (Illinois)
- Freshman of the Week: Aaronson Mansberger (Michigan)
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