Generation of Gymnastics

When you think gymnastics, you might think of Kerry Strug flying through the air with broken bones. Maybe you think of the resulting three months of news coverage that ensured you'd never get her nasally voice out of your head. But there's much more to the sport than media darlings like Strug. In the college realm, the first name that should come to mind is Yoshi Hayasaki. Coach Hayasaki has been at the head of Illinois men's gymnastics since 1974 and has led one of the most successful programs at the university. In his 33 year tenure he has coached 75 All-Americans, 39 Big Ten Individual Champions, nine individual national champions and two Olympians. In 1989, he gave the university its first national team championship in 30 years. The DI article goes more in depth to show that Hayasaki's story is much more than numbers. I highly recommend reading through it.

As for the team, the No. 5 Illini fell to No. 4 Ohio State in a dual meet last weekend inside Kenney Gymnasium 214.700 - 211.050. The Orange and Blue, a heavily freshman team, continues to improve with many personal bests set at the meet. And with a coach like Hayasaki, you can't count the Illini out come championship time.

Generation of Gymnastics (Daily Illini)

Men's Gymnastics Posts Season High Team Score; Falls to Ohio St. (Fighting Illini.com)