CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The No. 7 Illinois men’s gymnastics team dominated Senior Day against No. 5 Nebraska 411.550-395.250, notching a new team season-high score.
This is the first time the Illini have beaten a Big Ten opponent at home by 16 points since 1989 (the year head coach Daniel Ribeiro was born) when Illinois defeated Michigan State 273.80-251.45, when the sport used a different scoring system.
The Illini also went undefeated at home this year (3-0) for the first time since 2020 when they went 5-0.
Senior Connor McCool, once again, shined on floor securing a 14.600, .5 away from taking the title. Evan Manivong scored a 13.500 with Amari Sewell securing a 13.350 on the apparatus.
Ian Skirkey secured another event title on pommel horse grabbing a 14.750 with David Pochinka following behind him with a 13.850. Connor Micklos also had a good showing, collecting a 13.400.
Ashton Anaya put out another stellar score with a 14.300, as well as, winning the title. Ethan Boder secured a 13.450, with Michael Fletcher scoring a 13.350.
Amari Sewell tied for first on vault with a new career-high, 14.800, marking the fourth career-high he’s broken this year. Fletcher and McCool notched an impressive 14.550, with Josh Cook securing a 14.350.
Pochinka continued his success on parallel bars, scoring a 14.300 with Will Hauke securing a 14.150. Fletcher continued his all-around success, grabbing a 13.900.The Illini scored a season-high 68.800 team score on the apparatus as well.
In the last rotation, Pochinka tallied a 13.600 and took the top Illini score. Ryan Vanichtheeranont tied his career-high with a 13.400, with Will Hauke scoring a 13.250 in his high bar debut.
This meet was also Senior Day, with a post meet ceremony for Cook, Pochinka and Skirkey, as well as student manager, Tyler Schmidt.
“What an unbelievably special day for these guys,” Ribeiro said. “They did it for their seniors and this is a moment they will remember for the rest of their lives and I couldn’t be prouder.”
The Illini will finish their regular season off in Ann Arbor, Mich, as they take on No. 3 Michigan on March 18 at 1:30 p.m. CT.
