HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Donnell Whittenburg vaulted his way into the all-around lead Friday after the first day of the U.S Gymnastics Championships.
Whittenburg finished with 89.9 points, just ahead of three-time defending champion Sam Mikulak. Whittenburg was second last year at the national championships.
Former Illini Paul Ruggeri was ninth after one round of competition with an all-around score of 87.650, while ex-Illini CJ Maestas was one spot behind him with a total of 87.500. Current Illini Alex Diab sat in 32nd at 81.850.
Eighteen men will be chosen from this competition to compete in the Olympic trials this month in St.