Illinois Continues Historic Success Entering Big Tens

Illinois Continues Historic Success Entering Big Tens

Mar 21, 2014 by Amanda Wijangco
Illinois Continues Historic Success Entering Big Tens
This year, the Fighting Illini women's gymnastics team chose "limitless" as their word of the year. Throughout the regular season, the Illini have exmplified this by breaking numerous records, achieving goals and earning awards. Coming into Big Tens, Illinois looks to continue its success.

Here's a look at the history and success the Illini have made so far this season.

Goodbye Afternoon, Hello Evening
At last weekend's Michigan State Big Ten Quad Meet, Illinois ended its regular season by making history. For the first time in program history, the Illini qualified for the evening session of Big Tens. At the Quad Meet, they earned second place behind Nebraska with a score of 196.875.



Driven by 197
While competing against the Lindenwood Lions, the Fighting Illini finally surpassed the 197 mark and earned a 197.100 at their last home meet of the season. As Illinois's last home meet, it was senior day. Senior Sarah Fiedler earned her first career all-around title with a 39.325. To add to her individual success, Fiedler set a new career high on beam with a 9.900.

Vaulting Explosion and Perfection
While vault has been Illinois's weakest event, the Illini still managed to succeed on the apparatus and break the program high. At the annual State of Illinois Classic, the Illini vaulters scored a 49.425 highlighted by senior Amber See's perfect 10.0. Coincidentally, alumna Alina Weinstein also receive a perfect 10.0 on vault at last year's Classic.



Freshmen Fruition
This year, Illinois added five freshmen to their roster. Three of them have competed in lineup so far: Erin Buchanan, Mary Jane Horth and Emily Lennon. All three have been excellent on their respective apparatuses.
Buchanan's stellar performances on floor and vault gave her three Big Ten Freshman of the Week awards. She is the first Illini women's gymnast to earn the award three times. Lennon, a former Canadian elite, also received this accolade due to her vaulting and lovely beam routine. 



Starting Strong
While the Illini ended the regular season by making history, they also began that way. Illinois opened their season at Michigan State for the annual rivalry meet. For the first time in program history, the Illini began their season with a score above 195. Illinois claimed the Victory Plank (the Michigan State/Illinois rivalry trophy) with a 195.325.



Beam Theme
Throughout the regular season, the Illini have been fantastic on beam as they have only scored below 49 on beam twice. Junior Sunny Kato, a bar and beam specialist, has led the way for the Illini on beam. Kato is currently ranked 23 with an RQS of 9.870.