University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
Big Ten Championships
Players Mentioned
Three Gophers Podium at Big Tens
4/7/2018 12:00:00 AM | Men's Gymnastics
FINAL STATS
The Gophers had three competitors reach the podium on day two of the Big Ten Championships.
Tristan Duran was crowned the Big Ten Co-Champion on parallel bars, as he posted a 14.150.
"We talked about redemption from last night, obviously we didn't come away with the hardware that we hoped for last night. So we came away with some nice hardware tonight," head coach Mike Burns said.
The Gophers also had the second and third place finishers on high bar. Jalon Stephens finished second with a 14.125, and Shane Wiskus finished third with a 14.100.
In addition, Duran and Wiskus both were named to First Team All-Big Ten.
DURAN GETS THE GOLD
Duran was awarded a 14.150 on parallel bars en route to his gold medal. He was the first person to take a turn on p-bars all night.
"Obviously it feels amazing, I'm pretty much speechless," Duran said. "Especially being the first guy to go, it was pretty nerve-wracking to see all the other scores come in. I guess mine held up."
He is the first Gopher to win the Big Ten Championship on parallel bars since John Roethlisberger won it in 1992.
"It's a pleasure to represent this university and I think I did that well today," Duran added.
Burns also spoke on the rare accomplishment for Duran.
"I'm sure it's a dream come true for him," he said.
OTHER INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES
Stephens finished second in the high bar competition with a 14.125. It was his second-highest high bar score all season.
"It feels amazing. It was probably one of the best high bar routines I've ever done," Stephens said.
Burns agreed.
"Jalon did the routine of his career on high bar, which was phenomenal," Burns said.
Wiskus finished third on high bar with a career-high 14.100. He also earned a sixth place finish on still rings with a 13.750.
Vitali Kan placed eighth on floor with a 13.625, and fourth on pommel horse with a 13.800.
Alex Wittenberg finished tenth on vault with a 13.575.
GOPHERS GARNER BIG TEN PLAUDITS
Duran and Wiskus both were named First Team All-Big Ten.
Wiskus entered the meet already named the Big Ten Gymnast of the Year after finishing the regular season with 33 podium finishes nine event wins.
"Having those side things just brings me up a little bit more in spirits and gives me confidence going into NCAAs and the rest of the season," Wiskus said.
Wiskus was also named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. He is the first Gopher to win that award since Andre Berry won it in 2007.
Stephens was named All-Big Ten Second Team. He has performed on rings, parallel bars, and high bar this season.
Duran was also selected as the Gophers' representative on the All-Sportsmanship Team.
"I'm really excited for them. It's a great feather in the cap for the program, and it's just good for Minnesota," Burns said.
NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS ON DECK
The Gophers next will head to Chicago, Ill. for the NCAA Championships in two weeks.
The qualifying rounds will be April 20 and the finals will be April 21. It will be the Gophers' third trip to Chicago this season.
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