UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State head coach Randy Jepson announced on Friday the addition of Josh Karnes (Erie, Pa./Erie High School) to the 12-time national champion men's gymnastics team.
"We are thrilled to announce the signing of Josh Karnes, a Pennsylvania native, who has had success at the national and international level throughout his career," Jepson said. "The fact that he is a very well-rounded gymnast with no real weak events, and that he is also an excellent student, makes him a perfect fit to our squad. We look forward to training him for future academic, NCAA and international gymnastics success."
Penn State has won four Big Ten titles, including the most recently contested Big Ten Championship in 2019.
Below is a closer look at what Josh Karnes brings to the Penn State men's gymnastics team:
PRIOR TO PENN STATE
Prepped at Erie High School and trained at the Lakers Gymnastics Academy…Has been a member of the U.S. Junior National Team since 2014 and has earned three international selections…Won the all-around title at the 2018 National Championships…Won on floor, vault and high bar, was second on pommel horse and third on rings at the event…Also Won the all-around Junior Olympic National Championship in 2017 and 2016, and was the runner-up in 2015...Won the all-around at the 2017 Team Cup in Berlin…Was fourth on pommel horse, fifth all-around and fifth on parallel bars at the 2018-19 RD761 International Junior Team Cup.
PERSONAL
Born Joshua Andrew Karnes on July 6, 2004, in Erie, Pennsylvania…Parents are Jim and Monica Karnes…Has two older brothers, Tony and Nick, and one older sister, Abby…Nick is a 2016 Penn State graduate…Hobbies include gaming…Plans to major in engineering.
WHY PENN STATE?
"I chose Penn State because it has a great engineering program. It has an excellent gym and coaching staff. I know the coaches can get me to the next level in my gymnastics career. It is a bonus knowing it is closer to home."
