The Illinois men’s gymnastics team posted one of its highest scores ever this weekend.

A new format of the five-up, five-count meet will be going into effect this season on March 11, but Illinois competed a six-up, five-count Saturday, leading to an uncharacteristically high score in its victory over Illinois (Chicago) 425.45-385.75. Instead of the usual six competitors performing on each event and only the top four scores counting toward the total, six gymnasts competed and the top five scores counted.

The previous season average under the old format was 350.614 points. Illinois will continue this format to help transition into the five-up, five-count format.

“There were a few events where we had to count some big misses because we had to count that fifth score,” Illinois head coach Justin Spring said. “We want to finish every routine as if we are counting that score because in the end, when it counts, that’s how it’s going to be and we need to be ready for that.”

Before Saturday, the Illini hadn’t seen sophomore C.J. Maestas since the start of winter break. He was given extended time off because he isn’t able to train due to a torn tricep. Though Maestas wasn’t in the gym with his teammates the past few weeks, Spring said “his presence will always be missed, but that the team has learned how to form an identity without him.”  

Maestas wasn’t able to compete against UIC but flew to Chicago to support his team.  

“I think just C.J. being in the gym and working back as fast as he is and getting recovered and getting stronger is a motivation for everyone,” senior Vince Smurro said. “Everyone does need to step up and we know C.J.’s not going to be back, but it happens. It happens to every team and we just have to accept that challenge.”

The Illini won all six events, including the all-around competition. Freshman Joey Peters had a strong debut for the Illini, clinching the all-around and parallel bars title. Before attending Illinois, Peters was a member of the 2011 and 2012 national team. He said he didn’t know he was in the hunt for the titles while adjusting to the collegiate level of competition.

“Throughout the meet, I wasn’t even thinking about that,” Peters said. “I was thinking about the next guy up on the event and cheering them on, and the next thing you know, the meet is over. It seems like you just walk in the arena and then you’re leaving. It goes so fast that you don’t even think about that stuff.”

Illinois normally opens the season with the Windy City Invitational, but there was an extra week before the invitational this year, providing the Illini with an opportunity to open the season more casually.

“The intensity and quickness of the Windy City competition with six teams and six events is high,” Spring said. “To be able to start the season out like this, having guys throw new routines, new big skills, new vaults and things like that in a slightly less-pressured situation was really beneficial.”

Gina can be reached at [email protected] and @muelle30.