CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – With the 2016 men's gymnastics season right around the corner, the Fighting Illini are primed for another record-breaking campaign. In his seventh season at the helm, Justin Spring returns five individuals that account for eight All-America accolades. Additionally, the Orange and Blue welcomed four new faces into the program in Alex Diab, Johnny Jacobson, Blake Martin and Ross Thompson. Spring returns 13 athletes who have earned a varsity letter with the program this season to accompany the newcomers.
"I'm really excited about starting another season," shared head coach Justin Spring. "Our team worked super hard on upgrades over the summer and our new freshman are sure to be a powerful addition."
Losing four seniors to graduation following the NCAA Championships leaves spots in the lineup to be earned, as last year's seniors accounted for a combined 16 All-America accolades. The group included C.J. Maestas (10), Jacob Tilsley, Jordan Valdez (3) and Mike Wilner (3). Valdez is now a member of the Fighting Illini coaching staff, serving as a volunteer assistant coach.
Returning for his sophomore campaign is reigning Big Ten Gymnast and Freshman of the Year, Bobby Baker. The Lemont, Illinois, native earned All-American status in the all-around and on parallel bars in his first NCAA Championships appearance. Also returning for his redshirt-sophomore season with the Orange and Blue is Chandler Eggleston, a two-time All-American who missed the 2015 campaign to injury.
"Eggleston and Baker are so influential due to their high end scoring potential," stated Spring. "They both have no problem putting up extremely difficult routines which makes them a great 1-2 punch on almost all the events."
Illinois was slated to finish sixth in the 2016 National Pre-Season Coaches poll, marking the first time since 2008 that the Orange and Blue were picked to finish outside of the top five. After being dubbed eighth in 2008, the team went on to finish third at the NCAA Championships.
In the Big Ten Pre-Season poll, Illinois was picked to finish third in the league for the third-consecutive season. The Fighting Illini claimed a second-place finish at last year's Big Ten Championships, falling just six-tenths of a point short to the hosts, Penn State. Baker and Eggleston were named as Illinois' "Gymnasts to Watch".
Junior captain Tom Gibbs and sophomore Tyson Bull both competed internationally after the conclusion of last season. The pair represented their home lands of Great Britain and Australia at the World University Games held in Gwangju, South Korea. Bull also claimed a pair of event titles at the Australian Gymnastics Championships and earned a spot on the national team.
"Both Tom and Tyson gained invaluable experience over the summer competing for their countries at world events," Spring said. "If they can stay healthy, they'll be top all-around athletes for us all year long."
Senior captain and two-time All-American, Logan Bradley, returns for his final season with the Orange and Blue accompanied by fellow seniors Fred Hartville, Max Mayr and Joey Peters. Hartville won the NCAA vault title his freshman season back in 2013 and holds the school record of 15.550 on the event as well. Peters earned All-American status in the all-around competition in 2013.
"Max, Fred, Joey and Logan have a plethora of accolades such as NCAA & Big Ten titles and multiple All-American awards," said Spring. "This class has a ton of scoring potential this year and we will count on their leadership and experience to lead this younger team."
Additional returning team members include juniors Matt Foster and Taylor Smith and sophomores Harry McLellan, Dennis Minton, Brandon Ngai and Marlon Vernon.
For more information on Illinois Men's Gymnastics visit FIGHTINGILLINI.com and don't forget to follow the team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
