Following the Orange and Blue intrasquad exhibition,ch assistant coach Don Osborn chwas pleased with how the Illinois men’s gymnastics team performed. 

The blue squad beat the orange squad in four rotations, winning by a final score of 11-9.ch Osborn noted that athletes from both sides have a lot of room for improvement.

“They’re doing good gymnastics, getting back into the competition mode,” Osborn said, “and then we had some dumb mistakes.”

Osborn said most of the mistakes are common at beginning of the season. He admitted that the team still needs work on its landings and form breaks.

“They get a Christmas break, but it’s shorter than everyone else’s,” Osborn said. “Next week, we’ll try to clean up some things before we take a break. And then when we’re back, we’re right into it.”

Senior Logan Bradley chcommented on the importance of the Orange and Blue Exhibition, saying the feeling of competing in front of a crowd at Huff Hall is different than practice at Kenney Gym. 

“It’s always good to get in front of a crowd for the first time and experience some of those nerves,” Bradley said. “If I’m up there on the pommel horse and I’m not (falling) off — for the most part — that’s successful for me.”

Freshman Alex Diabch had a different take on the outcome of the event. While his words echoed his teammate and assistant coach on the team needing to improve, he said he was happy to have completed his first event. 

Competing for the blue squad on still rings and floor exercise, Diab was relieved to get his first collegiate event under his belt.

“I’m excited to compete more this season,” Diab said. “I’m excited for (our first regular season meet).”

The annual Orange and Blue exhibition gives coaches a chance to gage where the team is in preparation for the upcoming season. A few hundred fans were in attendance to watch the men’s and women’s team, who also competed in the intrasquad meet.

The Illini begin their regular season against UIC Jan. 9 at Huff Hall. ch

A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that Illinois would open its season against UIC in Chicago. Illinois will actually open its season in Champaign on Jan. 9. The Daily Illini regrets the error.

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