Men's Gymnastics

Women's gymnastics head coach Bob Starkell was named the director of gymnastics and alumnus Justin Spring was named the new associate head coach of the men's team.

Illinois gymnast Paul Ruggeri has racked up a tremendous number of accolades, and he is only halfway through his collegiate career.

Paul Ruggeri took the individual title on the high bars and parallel bars, while Daniel Riberio won the pommel horse.

The Illini will have a shot at the national championship Friday evening.

It was a hard-fought battle in Ann Arbor, Mich., for the Orange and Blue, but a late rally Friday earned the No. 4 Illinois men’s gymnastics team a share of the Big Ten title with Michigan. It’s the Illini’s first title since 2004.

It was all fun and games before the men's gymnastics practice Tuesday. There was a sense of complete calm in the gym, no anxiety or worry as the gymnasts kicked a ball around and tried to see how long they could keep it in the air.

The No. 4 Illinois men's gymnastics team heads to Ann Arbor, Mich., on Friday to compete in the Big Ten Championships. While the team enjoyed a game before practice, once practice started there was complete concentration — the gymnasts knew they have a Big Ten title to bring home.