Christopulos Wins Nissen-Emery Award

Nebraska men’s gymnast Taylor Christopulos was named the recipient of the Nissan-Emery Award, Nebraska’s fourth all-time and first in 37 years as Tom Schlesinger won the award for NU in 1988 under head coach Francis Allen. 

“This isn’t just my award; it’s for the team, for my family, and everyone who’s helped me get here,” Christopulos said. “It represents all their love, sacrifice and effort.”

Christopulos is an eight time All-American recently winning his second Big Ten Gymnast of the Year honor. He has won 27 individual titles including one in every event. Off the mat, he is a five-time member of the Tom Osborne Citizenship team and has been named to the scholar-athlete honor roll every semester at Nebraska.  

Aside from Christopulos and Schlesinger, the two other Nebraska winners of the “Heisman Trophy” of collegiate gymnastics are assistant coach Jim Hartung in 1982 and Wes Suter in 1986. Christopulos is the first gymnast under Chuck Chmelka to win this award. 

“I’m thrilled and so happy for Taylor,” Chmelka said. “He’s worked so hard and has been a model student-athlete. I couldn’t be more proud of the man he’s become. This trophy is a symbol of all the hard work he’s put in and everything he’s overcome. It’s a tremendous honor for him, his family, our team and our university. We’re going to cherish it.”

Up next, Christopulos and the Huskers will compete in Session I on Friday, April 19 at 12 P.M. (CT). The meet will be streamed on ESPN+.