Last season, the Michigan men’s gymnastics team suffered defeats at the hands of Illinois during the Windy City Invitational and Big Ten Championship.

And this year hasn't been much different, as the Wolverines placed second at this year's Windy City Invitational — 9.3 points behind the Fighting Illini this past weekend in Chicago.

The difference is that Michigan came into the season ranked fourth last year, and this year it is trying to defend a national championship.

“We’re a little disappointed,” senior Thomas Kelley said after the meet. “Being the reigning national champions, we don’t really feel that second place is acceptable. I would say that we’re disappointed, but we know what we need to do to continue on the season and figure out how to get back up on the number one spot on the podium.”

Michigan lost a lot of experience and skill last year to graduation — it currently has 11 freshmen on the roster, compared to just two last year.

One notable performance was by freshman Sam Mikulak. He finished tied for sixth in the parallel bars and the pommel horse. Mikulak’s score on the parallel bars was the highest of any Wolverine.

“(The freshmen) handled the pressure well,” Kelley said. “It didn’t look like the nerves or the pressure of the meet got to them. I don’t think they were at all nervous by the first competition. We have high hopes for them and high expectations for them to step up.”

In the all-around competition, Kelley placed third and sophomore Rohan Sebastian placed fourth. Kelley also placed third on the floor exercise and fifth on the high bar.

Senior and returning all-around NCAA champion Chris Cameron placed third in the pommel horse and still rings. Although he was sick, he still managed to compete and help out the team.

“(Cameron) woke up and for some reason had swollen hands and swollen feet,” Michigan coach Kurt Golder said. “He had a mild headache, but he did feel better during the day and the doctor said as long as he doesn’t have a fever he can go ahead and compete if he felt up to it.”

Even under the weather, Cameron still held the top score of any Michigan gymnast in the two events he placed.

Having participated in their first performance, the Wolverines know what they need to do. As it is a long season, they have plenty of time to perfect specific areas, such as increasing the hit percentage on the pommel horse and floor exercise, according to Kelley.

As was the case last season Michigan will have plenty of chances to even the score with Illinois. They will square off in a dual meet on Feb. 12, Big Tens and NCAA's.

“The battle for the top is between the two of us, and that’s how it’s been for the last couple of years,” Golder said. “Our guys got their butts kicked by them today and that’s going to give (us) a lot of incentive. Hopefully, Illinois will think that 'they just beat Michigan so they can coast for a little bit.' All that matters is where they place in the end, and we probably have more incentive to work harder than they do.”