Feb. 6, 2008
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Senior Vladi Klurman (North Miami Beach, Fla.) has been honored as Big Ten Men's Co-Gymnast of the Week, the conference office announced on Wednesday. The 2007 All-American was recognized for his standout showing in No. 1 Penn State's 354.200-343.450 victory over No. 8 Minnesota at Rec Hall last weekend.
Klurman shares his first career conference award with Ohio State's Jake Bateman. This is Penn State's third Big Ten Gymnast of the Week accolade in 2008, after junior Casey Sandy (Brampton, Ont.) won it in consecutive weeks to start the season.
Klurman captured two titles and established personal season high scores in three events against the Golden Gophers. Klurman dominated a head-to-head match-up with Minnesota's Mitchell Mays, the nation's No. 1-ranked vaulter, outscoring him 16.100-15.650 to place first in the event. The senior also claimed victory in the still rings by posting the highest score on the team this season, a 15.350. Klurman wrapped up his standout performance by placing second in the parallel bars (14.850), tying teammates Derek Helsby (Orlando, Fla.) and Santiago Lopez (Cibola del Mar, Mex.).
This week, Klurman, along with teammates Derek Helsby and Shaun Antonio (Rio Rancho, N.M.), and Penn State assistant coach Kevin Tan will compete against the nation's top American gymnasts with roster spots on the U.S. Men's Senior Team on the line at the prestigious 2008 Winter Cup Challenge in Las Vegas, Nev. A year ago, Klurman advanced to the finals in the pommel horse (31st), vault (23rd), still rings (16), and parallel bars (29th).
The Nittany Lions are back in action next weekend (Sat., Feb. 16) when they travel to Champaign, Ill. for a dual meet with Big Ten opponent No. 5 Illinois. Last season, Penn State defeated the Fighting Illini, 220.150-205.250, at home in Rec Hall.
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