UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State men's gymnastics team hosts Michigan and Illinois in the Nittany Lions' final home meet of the 2019 season on Saturday, March 16 at 4 p.m.
Penn State vs. Michigan & Illinois
Video | Live Results
Senior Day Honoring
On Saturday, Penn State will honor Michael Burns, Chris Sands, Wyatt Tyndall, Noah Roberson, and Alex Thomason for their careers as Nittany Lions.
Coach Randy Jepson on Burns
"Michael is one of our most artistic gymnasts boasting long lines and clean gymnastics. His Biological Engineering major will be put to good use as he has tremendous passion for those in need especially in the area of food production. Michael is an individual who will undoubtedly have a lifetime of impact."
Jepson on Sands
"After walking onto the team, Chris became a mainstay of the Penn State Lineup and eventually earned a scholarship and was voted to be the team captain for this season. His leadership has been key this year and there is no doubt that his leadership will leave the program in a better place for those who follow."
Jepson on Tyndall
"Wyatt Tyndall has been a stalwart competitor during his time wearing the Blue and White. Known for his amazing air awareness and "go for it" attitude, Wyatt will be missed not only for his athletic talent and ability to hit routines in challenging situations but, for his demonstrated ability to overcome personal adversity to come through for his team in the clutch. There is no doubt that Wyatt will bring that same dedication to his career as an Orthopedic surgeon."
Jepson on Roberson
"A walk-on athlete who stepped up to make a huge impact not only in the gym but, in the classroom. Because of his outstanding academic record, he has been chosen to be the student marshal for his graduations this spring. Noah is destined to do great things in the field of biomedical engineering."
Jepson on Thomason
"After red-shirting his freshman season Alex began to develop and work his way into the Penn State lineup. He gained consistency and improved his skill level to be a standout on Parallel Bars and High Bar. He has always been a lighthearted team member and will be remembered for his ability to bring levity to every situation."
RoadToNationals.Com Update
Penn State is currently ranked No. 5 on RoadToNationals with a 408.733 average on the season in final team score. Penn State is currently ranked No. 1 in both pommel horse, 67.867. They also rank third on high bar at 67.177 and on rings at 69.200. On pommel horse, Stephen Nedoroscik is No. 1 in the nation with a 15.133. Isaac Hammett is No. 4 in rings at 14.250, and Sam Zakutney is No. 4 in high bar at 14.117.
Nedoroscik Named to 12-Man US Senior National Team
Penn State men's gymnastics junior Stephen Nedoroscik has been named to the 12-man roster for the U.S. Men's Senior National Team through the 2019 U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Kansas City, Mo. Nedoroscik was selected by the Men's Program Committee after his win on pommel horse at the 2019 Winter Cup Challenge this weekend. Nedoroscik's combined score for the weekend was 30.150, over a point and a half better than the second-place finisher at 28.500 in national team member Sam Mikulak. In the prelims, Nedoroscik scored a 15.150, and followed it up with a 15.000 in the finals. He was the only athlete to score a 15.00-plus on the pommel all meet. Nedoroscik will leave for Qatar on Sunday, March 17 and will begin competition on March 20.
Michael Burns is fully committed to service
When he is not in the gym, senior Michael Burns spends time helping others on a large scale through service trips around the world. Read Michael's full story HERE
Noah Roberson puts in the work in the gym and the classroom
This Williamsville, New York native is no stranger to academic success, having graduated high school with a 4.0 GPA. He continues to excel in academics at the collegiate level, boasting a 4.0 while double-majoring in Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering. These high marks have earned him Academic Big Ten Honors, as well as two consecutive Elite 90 awards, bestowed upon the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average who has reached the competition at the finals site for their respective sport. Roberson, as a redshirt senior, is a member of Schreyer Honors College and is currently pursuing his master's degree while competing with Penn State. He also recently became engaged. Read more about Noah Roberson's successes HERE
Men's Gymnasts Balancing Academics and Athletics
Not only is the Penn State men's gymnastics team accomplished in their sport, they achieve high standings in academics, with every team member boasting an above-average GPA. Being a student-athlete is a massive time commitment, and part of that responsibility is successfully managing their athletic and academic careers. Read more about their ability to balance successfully HERE
Valdez Returns From Injury With Strong Performance at Army
Redshirt sophomore Favian Valdez competed in five events for the Nittany Lions at the West Point Open last weekend, making the finals in all five, and he went on to secure his first career pommel horse title as well. Read more about his road to recovery HERE
Build on Big Ten Success
Brennan Pantazis and Stephen Nedoroscik garnered First Team All-Big Ten honors, while junior Greg Tamargo was named to the second team. Pantazis and Nedoroscik became the 13th and 14th Big Ten Individual Event Champions in Penn State men's gymnastics history at the 2018 Big Ten Championships and are the first since Trevor Howard earned the high bar title in the 2016 campaign. Furthermore the duo are the first pair of Penn State gymnasts to earn a title in the same year since 2015 when Howard and Matthew Felleman each took home individual titles. Pantazis was just the second Penn State gymnast to capture the Big Ten floor exercise title and the first since Mike Dutka earned the honor in the 1998 season. Nedoroscik is the third Nittany Lion to notch the pommel horse title for Penn State as Craig Hernandez captured the title in both 2012 and 2013. Nedoroscik also joins the company of Dutka, who won three titles in the 1998 season, including the pommel horse victory.
