Jan. 23, 2017
ROSEMONT, Ill. - Freshman Favian Valdez (Kearny, N.J.) notched his second-straight Big Ten Freshman of the Week honor as announced by the conference office for week ending Jan. 22.
The freshman earns the honor for the second time in his career after garnering it following his first collegiate appearance at the West Point Open. The Kearny, N.J. native picked up three top-five finishes in his second collegiate outing for the Blue and White against Army, Jan. 21.
Valdez earned his second title of the 2017 season with a 14.050 on the pommel horse for a victory against Army West Point in Penn State's first home meet. Valdez also placed fourth overall on the vault with a 14.050 and placed third in the all-around.
The Nittany Lions travel to Springfield, Mass. Sunday, Jan. 29 for a 1 p.m. meet against Springfield College. The meet will mark the second time that Penn State and Springfield have met as the Blue and White defeated the Pride at the West Point Open, 412.350-390.550.