UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State men's gymnastics went 1-1 on Saturday afternoon in its' Big Ten tri-meet with Michigan and Illinois, as the Nittany Lions scored a 407.800, while Michigan went 2-0 with a winning score of 409.55, and Illinois scored a 406.90.
Penn State honored its seniors' following the meet and saw senior Michael Burns named the Gene Wettstone award winner for his efforts and performance during the meet.
"It was a stellar contest between three great teams," head coach Randy Jepson lamented. It was a knockdown, drag-out, blow-for-blow fight and when the dust settled, we were a little short, but I'm encouraged because I think we can make improvements and sharpen up. We can certainly get more landings and we are building momentum into the post-season, so we're very optimistic and excited for the rest of the season."
Penn State opened the meet on floor and saw Sam Zakutney score a team-high 14.250. Senior Wyatt Tyndall followed with a 14.050, while Favian Valdez scored a 14.000 on his routine. Both senior Chris Sands and sophomore Brennan Pantazis scored a 13.900 to help Penn State to a 70.100 on floor.
After the first rotation, Penn State led 70.100 to Illinois' 69.200 on rings and Michigan's 66.550 on pommel.
Penn State rotated to pommel for its second rotation. The nation's leader, Stephen Nedoroscik won the meet with a 14.850. Freshman Nick Mock continued to be a steady force for the Blue & White with a 13.400. Valdez scored a 13.050 and senior Michael Burns scored a 13.00 on his first rotation of the afternoon. Jack Baldwin tacked on a 12.300 to bring the Nittany Lions' score to a 136.700.
Through two events, Illinois led with a 139.750 after its rotation on floor, while Penn State was second at 136.700, and Michigan was third after their turn on rings with an overall score of 135.200.
The Nittany Lions then moved on to the rings where senior Noah Roberson finished with a team-best and a second-place finish with a 14.300. Isaac Hammett followed with a 14.150 and Parker Clayton scored a 14.100. Greg Tamargo tacked on a score of 13.650, and Brayden Borromeo wrapped up the rotation with a 13.500 giving the Nittany Lions a 69.700 on rings
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After the third event, Penn State had retaken the lead with a 206.400 overall score, while Illinois had a 205.550, and Michigan recorded a 205.200.
On Vault, Penn State saw Zakutney score a career-high 14.650 and Pantazis also added a new career-high with a 14.600. Tyndall followed with a 14.050, while Clayton tacked on a 13.850 and Borromeo added 13.750. The Nittany Lions scored a 70.900 on the rotation.
Through four rotations, Penn State led at 277.300, while Illinois was in second at a 273.150, and Michigan trailed at 270.200.
The fifth rotation ended up knocking the Nittany Lions back as the Blue & White only scored a 62.500 on the parallel bars, giving room for the competition to move in.
Zakutney scored a 13.400 on his routine, while Tyndall tacked on a 13.150. Both Alex Frack and Michael Burns scored 12.350, and Pantazis tacked on a 11.250.
After the fifth rotation, Illinois took the lead at 343.600, while Penn State remained in second at 339.800, and Michigan was in third heading into the final rotation at 337.650.
On the final rotation, Penn State scored a 68.000 on High Bar, while Illinois scored a 63.300 on p-bars, and Michigan went to town on the vault, scoring a meet-best 71.900.
On high bar, Penn State saw Burns throw a 14.150 on his final routine in Rec Hall, while fellow senior Wyatt Tyndall added a 13.800. Valdez scored a 13.550 and Sands added a 13.300. Zakutney wrapped up the event with a 13.200.
Michigan's ability to score a 71.900 in the final rotation gave them the come-from-behind win.
Penn State continues Big Ten action as they head to Minnesota to take on Minnesota and Iowa on Saturday, March 23 for a 2 p.m. CT/ 3p.m. ET meet in Minneapolis.
