April 19 was no ordinary Saturday in Ann Arbor. The air buzzed with something different, something electric. And perhaps even the walls of the iconic Crisler Center stood in awe of what they witnessed — a night for the ages. How so? It had been a decade since Michigan last hosted the NCAA Men’s Gymnastics Championships final at Crisler. That was back in 2014. Fittingly, that was also the last time the Wolverines captured the national title. Until now.

On a night dripping with destiny, Michigan did it again, reclaiming the NCAA crown in front of its home crowd. But that was only half the story. The other half belonged to a legend.

This was the final collegiate performance of none other than Paul Juda — a name that has become synonymous with excellence in Michigan gymnastics. The 23-year-old star didn’t just show up. He delivered. In his last night wearing the maize and blue, Juda added more medals to his sparkling resume and gave fans a memory they’ll never forget. Then came the moment that tugged at heartstrings — his farewell words.

In the mixed zone, with emotion etched on his face, Juda said: “It’s hard not to think about the fact that it’s over, but as Coach Kurt Golder says, ‘The best one is the next one.’ So, good luck, freshmen.” It was a simple message. But one that will echo through the program for years.

And let’s not forget — this is the same Paul Juda who helped Team USA end a 16-year Olympic medal drought with a bronze last year. A trailblazer and a champion who knows how to make it count and memorable. And April 19 wasn’t just a win. It was a passing of the torch. And believe us, it couldn’t have been scripted any better. However, do you know what more was there on the same night? 

The 23-year-old senior, in his final appearance for the Wolverines, competed in front of a roaring home crowd and delivered nothing short of the performance of a lifetime. He claimed the NCAA individual title on the parallel bars with a dazzling 14.200, and finished runner-up in the all-around, just behind teammate and rising star Frederick Richard. If it felt like déjà vu, that’s because it was. How?

Just two weeks earlier, Juda had captured all-around silver at the B1G Championships, signaling he was peaking at just the right time. But while the medals were impressive, what followed on Saturday night stole the entire show — and hearts.

With the Crisler Center still pulsating from Michigan’s first NCAA team title since 2014, Juda took center stage one last time. But this moment wasn’t about scores or routines. It was about love. In front of thousands of fans, teammates, and loved ones, Paul Juda dropped to one knee and proposed to his longtime girlfriend, fellow Michigan gymnast Reyna Guggino. And yes — Reyna said yes. In the meantime, cheers turned to tears. Roars became emotional applause. It was the kind of moment that reminds us why sports are more than just competition. But the overall competition was also something memorable. Let’s find out that scoop. 

The historic night in Michigan Wolverines gymnastics’ history 

What began with history at the Big Ten Championships has now ended in destiny. In simple words? On Saturday night, in front of a deafening Crisler Center crowd, the Michigan Wolverines clinched the 2025 NCAA Men’s Gymnastics Championship, edging out five-time defending champion Stanford by just under two-tenths of a point in a nail-biting finish that shook the rafters and sent Wolverine Nation into a frenzy.

The final score?
Michigan: 332.224
Stanford: 332.061

One of the tightest margins in NCAA history — and one of the sweetest victories. Just 24 hours earlier, Michigan dominated Session II of qualifying, finishing first with a team score of 329.824, ahead of Stanford (329.028) and Illinois (323.195). That strong statement set the tone. But the job wasn’t finished.

They were joined in the finals by powerhouses like Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Penn State, who advanced out of Session I. The stage was set for a battle of giants, and Michigan was ready. But fueled by a fierce blend of youth and experience, including their Olympic bronze medalists, Fred Richard and Paul Juda, the Wolverines executed with precision, passion, and poise. The title run halted Stanford’s bid for a six-peat. And let’s not forget — this same team already made headlines earlier this month, capturing their fifth straight Big Ten Championship — also at Crisler. Their score that night? 330.750 — the second-highest of the season, a reminder that this squad was peaking at the perfect time. Additionally, this is Michigan’s longest streak of Big Ten titles since the dynasty years of 1961–66. But this time, the Wolverines weren’t just content with conference dominance. They wanted it all — and they got it.

From the high-flying heroics to the emotional farewell of senior icon Paul Juda, to Fred Richard’s continued brilliance, this was a team on a mission. And now, they’ve completed it with a banner, a ring, and a legacy.