Jeff Huth's review and preview of all things Illinois

CHAMPAIGN – Greg Shroka's indoor personal-best mark in the high jump was one of six events captured by the Illinois men's track and field team in Saturday's season-opening dual meet loss to Iowa.

Shroka jumped 7 feet, 0 1/4-inch to win the event at the Illinois Armory.

Jeff Huth's review and preview of all things Illinois

CHAMPAIGN – Big Ten coaches voted Justin Spring's Illinois men's gymnastics team second in a conference preseason poll released Wednesday.

Illinois, which shared the 2009 Big Ten title with Michigan, trailed the Wolverines in the balloting.

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas — Jade Smith, a sophomore center fielder at New Braunfels High School, made an oral commitment to the Illinois softball team.
As a freshman, Smith was a Class 5A All-District 26 first-team selection after helping New Braunfels to a 26-6 record and a berth in the Bi-District finals.

Jeff Huth's review and preview of all things Illinois

URBANA — Two members of the U.S. Junior National Team recently signed national letters of intent with the Illinois men’s gymnastics program.
C.J. Maestas of Corrales, N.M., and Cameron Rogers of Mint Hill, N.C., will join coach Justin Spring’s team next season.

Wes Haagensen is the latest former Illini gymnast to take his place on the sport's international stage. Following in the footsteps of 2008 Olympian and ex-teammate Justin Spring, Haagensen made his World Championships debut last month in London. One of six men's gymnasts to represent the U.S., Haagensen competed in two events. Although the six-time All-American did not advance to the finals – in the qualifying round, he placed 20th in still rings and 34th in pommel horse – Haagensen came away encouraged by the experience. News-Gazette staff writer Jeff Huth contacted Haagensen via e-mail while the two-time Big Ten champion was returning to the United States. Their question-and-answer exchange follows: