McLean County Times

Bob Conkling, a veteran of over 40 years in gymnastics coaching, announced his retirement from his position as head coach at Illinois State University (ISU) after a two-decade-long tenure with the Redbirds. Conkling's final season in 2025 ended with him earning the Midwest Independent Conference (MIC) Coach of the Year award, his second accolade after previously receiving it in 2022.

Reflecting on his career, Conkling stated, "I can't believe it's been 20 years since starting as head coach at ISU. It sure has gone fast." Under his guidance, the Redbirds captured their second conference title in three seasons, marking their fourth overall and third under his leadership, with a high score of 196.025 ranking as their second-best score of the season.

Conkling's legacy at ISU includes over 100 victories, sending 33 student-athletes to NCAA Regionals, and producing 44 MIC individual event or all-around champions. He also coached six MIC Gymnasts of the Year and had five MIC Seniors of the Year. Altogether, more than 75 gymnasts earned All-MIC First-Team honors.

ISU Director of Athletics Dr. Jeri Beggs expressed her gratitude, saying, "Bob's passion and dedication over the past 20 years will leave a lasting impact on the gymnastics program." He was credited with leading the program to success in competition and academics, where teamwork and community reflection were highly valued.

In the 2025 season, ISU finished as the 40th-ranked program nationally. Senior gymnasts Jaye Mack, Alana Laster, and Sara Wabi represented ISU at the NCAA Regional, with Mack receiving the MIC Co-Athlete of the Year and the MIC Woman of the Year Award. Their contributions included individual titles at the MIC Championship.

Cindy Harris, ISU's Executive Associate Athletic Director for Compliance & Student Services, said, "To know Bob is to love Bob. He is an incredible coach and person." Her statement highlighted Conkling's influence beyond conference championships, emphasizing his role in developing individual talent.

The Redbirds' 2024 season was notable with two NCAA Regional advances and eight gymnasts securing All-MIC honors. They achieved the second-highest team score in school history with contributions from standout gymnast Angelica Labat, who ended her ISU career as one of its most decorated members.

Illinois State's historic 2023 campaign included the MIC Championship title with a record score, secured by Mack's pivotal routine. The successful era under Conkling saw one of its peaks in 2022 when the team reached new heights in both individual and collective performances.

Conkling's early career began in Rockford, Illinois, with his journey in gymnastics leading him to ISU in 2005 after years in competitive tumbling and coaching. He holds a degree in physical education from Indiana Wesleyan University, where he also taught.

Conkling's retirement marks the end of an era for ISU gymnastics, with the coach leaving behind a legacy of success and dedication. The university community wishes him well in his future endeavors.