C.J. Maestas out for the year
By: Austin Kim
Updated: December 3, 2012
The preseason #1 Illinois men's gymnastics team suffered a big blow. Justin Spring told WCIA's Austin Kim in a one-on-one interview that sophomore C.J. Maestas, the NCAA's reigning still rings champion, suffered an 80 percent tear in his triceps.
Maestas suffered the injury about two weeks ago during practice. He was going through floor routines when his triceps tore.
"You can't replace a guy like C.J., personality wise, leadership wise and gymnastics," Spring said, adding the injury was "kind of a shock to everyone."
The sophomore is the reigning Big Ten freshman of the year, and was expected to anchor most the events for the team. He also competed in the Olympics trials this past summer, just falling short of making the US Men's Gymnastics team.
Illinois' first event of the year is the Orange and Blue exhibition. Illinois' first regular season meet is at #15 UIC January 12th, 2013.
Maestas suffered the injury about two weeks ago during practice. He was going through floor routines when his triceps tore.
"You can't replace a guy like C.J., personality wise, leadership wise and gymnastics," Spring said, adding the injury was "kind of a shock to everyone."
The sophomore is the reigning Big Ten freshman of the year, and was expected to anchor most the events for the team. He also competed in the Olympics trials this past summer, just falling short of making the US Men's Gymnastics team.
Illinois' first event of the year is the Orange and Blue exhibition. Illinois' first regular season meet is at #15 UIC January 12th, 2013.
