Jan. 26, 2008
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Behind strong showings from junior Casey Sandy (Brampton, Ont.) and redshirt freshman Jason Chu (Los Angeles, Calif.), the defending national champion and No. 1-ranked Penn State men's gymnastics team defeated No. 9 Temple, 353.350-337.350, at Rec Hall on Saturday night. The wins ups the Nittany Lions' 2008 home record to 2-0, with a measuring stick-meet versus Big Ten rival Minnesota looming next weekend.
Penn State won all six events, individually and as a team. Casey Sandy led the Lions by capturing titles in three of the four events in which he competed, marking the third consecutive week he has claimed at least that many wins in a dual meet competition. The two-time reigning Big Ten Men's Gymnast of the Week placed first in the pommel horse (14.600), vault (16.000), and parallel bars (15.150). He also tied teammate Tommy Ramos (Guaynabo, P.R.) for third place in the high bar.
Jason Chu's star continued on its meteoric rise, as he won the floor exercise title on his way to the all-around crown. Competing for the first time in his collegiate career in the floor, Chu secured the top spot with a 15.450 performance. He also placed second in the vault and parallel bars, sixth in the pommel horse and rings, and eighth in the high bar to post an 87.600 in the all-around. For his standout performance, Chu was awarded the Gene Wettstone Award, an honor bestowed upon the top gymnast at each home meet.
Sophomore Noam Shaham (Kfar Saba, Israel) captured the first title of his young career, winning the still rings with a score of 14.900. He also placed third in the parallel bars (14.250).
Senior Derek Helsby (Orlando, Fla.) matched the team season high, a 14.900, to claim victory in the high bar. He also finished in second in the pommel horse (14.400) and third in the still rings (14.500).
The Nittany Lions remain at home next weekend and return to conference competition, as No. 7 Minnesota will travel to University Park for a dual on Sat., Feb. 2 at Rec Hall. The meet, which will also feature the No. 12 Nittany Lion women's gymnastics squad facing West Virginia, is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. at Rec Hall.