ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Justin Spring didn't know exactly how the Illinois men's gymnastics team he coaches would celebrate Friday night.
But the Illini would celebrate.
Winning a Big Ten title merits a reason to let loose for a bit.
Three straight runner-up finishes went away at Crisler Center as the Illini stayed consistent throughout and clinched the program's first league championship since 2012.
"It was so much hard work and building over the years," Spring said. "It's been a grind, and pretty annoying, getting second so many times recently. This is a pretty unreal feeling.