Chris Bogantes was named an assistant coach of Arkansas Gymnastics by head coach Jordyn Wieber on Friday, May 17, 2019. Bogantes (Bo-gan-tays) joins the Razorbacks after serving as an assistant coach at Illinois for the women’s program.
“Chris Bogantes has the experience and coaching ability that we need to take this program to the next level,” Wieber said. “His recruiting experience, knowledge of technique and passion for the future of Arkansas Gymnastics really stood out to me. We are excited he will be joining us from Illinois and bringing with him a strong belief that this program will succeed.”
In his two years in Champaign, Bogantes helped the Illini to a pair of top three finishes at the Big Ten Championship, including a second-place team mark in 2019, led by a conference title on the uneven bars by Mary Jane Otto. The year before, Bridget Hodan captured the beam crown to help the squad to a third-place finish.
Under the new regional format, Illinois advanced to the second round of the NCAA Ann Arbor Regional and finished third among the four squads on day two. In 2018, the Illini placed third in the NCAA Tuscaloosa Regional, while qualifying Rae Balthazor individually for the all-around competition at the NCAA Championships, where she would finish eighth to earn second team All-America honors on the floor.
Prior to Illinois, Bogantes was an assistant coach at Utah State, propelling the Aggies to an NCAA Regional appearance and a second-place finish at the 2017 MRGC Championships. He has also made stops at Southeast Missouri State, Texas Women’s University, Ball State and LSU. Bogantes brings experience in club gymnastics as well, coaching at Elite Gymnastics in Baton Rouge, Louisiana from 2006-08, and Legacy Elite Gymnastics in Carol Stream, Illinois, from 2011-12.
“I am excited to join Jordyn’s staff and be a part of the new era of Arkansas Gymnastics,” Bogantes said. “I really believe in her vision for this program and look forward to partnering with her to make it all possible. I can’t wait to move to Fayetteville and get started coaching and recruiting.”
