Christopulos Earns Nebraska’s First Big Ten Freshman of the Year Honor

Nebraska men's gymnast Taylor Christopulos was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year announced the conference Monday afternoon. The Big Ten Conference announced the 2021 Big Ten Gymnast and Freshman of the Year awards, as voted upon by the conference coaches Monday. Michigan's Paul Juda was awarded Gymnast of the Year. 

Christopulos is the first Husker to earn the Freshman of the Year award. The Layton, Utah native is ranked first on vault (14.86 avg.) and holds the nation's highest score (14.95) of the year. Christopulos has tallied five event titles this season, four on vault and one on rings (the first rings title for Nebraska since 2018). Christopulos was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week and CGA Rookie of the Week three times each. 

"I couldn't be more proud of this kid. His hard work is paying off and being recognized by the conference. I am thrilled for him and our program as Taylor is the first Husker to win this award," Head Coach Chuck Chmelka said. 

Christopulos has competed in the all-around competition twice (finishing in second against Ohio State and third at Iowa) this season showing that he can make an impact on each of the six events. 

The Huskers return to competition this Saturday, April 3 at the Pinnacle Bank Arena for the 2021 Big Ten Men's Gymnastics Championships. The championships can be watched live on BTN starting at 7:00 p.m. CT or tickets can be purchased at huskers.com/tickets.