CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois Men's Gymnastics has announced the signing of two gymnasts that will compete in the 2017-18 season. Max Diab and Joel Diaz are the two athletes who have signed National Letters of Intent with Illinois.
"The guys are going to add some incredible depth on some much-needed events," head coach Justin Spring said. "They will probably be pushing towards the backend of the lineup on some critical events for our program next year. We are very excited about this small class and we look forward to maintaining our position as a top Big Ten and NCAA contender."
MAX DIAB // GLEN ELLYN, ILLINOIS // GLENBARD WEST H.S.
Max Diab has competed in the last two Junior Olympic National Championships. At the 2016 competition, Diab placed in the top six in floor (third), parallel bars (fourth), vault (fourth) and rings (sixth), finishing in seventh in the all-around. At the 2015 Junior Olympic National Championships, Diab earned the national title in rings, and finished in the top 10 in vault (sixth) and floor (seventh), earning a 10th-place spot in the all-around.
"Max is very strong in floor, vault and rings, a well-rounded all-arounder," Spring said. "Those three events he can have an immediate impact on."
Diab is the son of Mark and Jennifer Diab, the brother of current Illini Alex Diab, and plans to study business.
JOEL DIAZ // CYPRESS, TEXAS // CYPRESS WOODS H.S.
Joel Diaz is a two-time national champion in vault, and a five-time team national champion. At the 2016 Houston invitational, Diaz took first in rings, second in parallel bars, fourth in vault and third in the all-around.
"Joel is a very solid all-arounder as well," Spring said. "He can find his way into the lineup on almost any event. He has the ability to come in and be an All-American, and fight for a national championship spot on rings even his freshman year. He will make deep lineup spots for us on similar events as Max, on vault and floor as well. I think he'll scratch the lineup on high bar and parallel bar in addition to those events. He's a great all-arounder for us."
Diaz is the son of White and Rowena Diaz, and plans to major in mechanical engineering at Illinois.
