UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- Penn State men's gymnastics head coach Randy Jepson announces four new athletes that will join the team as a part of the 2022 National Signing Day class. The class consists of three athletes from the northeast and one international student-athlete from Finland. All four incoming Nittany Lions are all-around competitors.
Jepson said, "It is sad to say goodbye to the seniors each year but that means we get the opportunity to usher in a new class and we have a fantastic group coming. We are excited about the capabilities of each guy and what they have done so far. These athletes have the kind of quality and character we are looking to bring in. The staff and I couldn't be happier to have them in Happy Valley."
ROBERT ALESSIO
Robert Alessio is from Belleville, N.J. He trained and competed for the Meadowlands Gymnastics Academy. Alessio is an all-around competitor. He is a nine-time New Jersey State All-Around Champion, two-time Region 7AA Champion, six-time Nationals Qualifier, a 2022 U.S. Champions Qualifier, and a three-time USA Junior Development Team member.
Alessio on why Penn State
"I chose Penn State because I have always wanted to attend a school with strong tradition and strong alumni base. I feel that my goals both academically and athletically can be fully reached at Penn State. I am excited to work with the amazing coaches and teammates I will have."
Jepson on Alessio
"Bobby is a beautiful performer with great body lines. He has a technical background on pommel horse and parallel bars. He has great depth that we are excited to add to our team."
LUKE ESPARO
Luke Esparo is a North Haven, Connecticut native who is an all-around gymnast. Esparo was a 2020 Region Six Elite Team Cup member and helped them to second place in 2020. He is a 2018 National Still Rings Champion, a 2019 National Still Rings and All-Around Champion, and a 2021 National Still Rings and All-Around Champion.
Esparo on why Penn State
"All of the coaches, athletes, and academic advisors made me feel like Penn State was the place I wanted to be. I wanted to be a part of one of the best gymnastics programs in the country at a school that will allow me to reach my potential academically and athletically."
Jepson on Esparo
"Luke is an incredibly strong gymnast. He is a nationally ranked champion on still rings and all-around. He will be a huge asset for us, and we are very excited about his future here in our line up."
AKSELI KARSIKAS
Akseli Karsikas comes to the Nittany Lions from Oulu, Finland. He has competed for Oulun Pyrintõ for the last 11 years and has been a member of the Finland National Team for ten years as an all-around competitor. Karsikas is a 2022 World Championship Team member and placed 8th in rings and high bar at the Mersin World Cup this year and placed 11th on vault at the Cottbus World Cup. He was the rings and high bar champion at the 2022 Finnish Championships. In 2021, the Finland native earned 2nd place on rings and vault at the Finnish Championships. He is an eight-time Finnish Junior National Team member from 2013-2020 and a two-time Finnish Senior National Team member from 2020-present.
Karsikas on why Penn State
"I chose Penn State because I wanted to continue my gymnastics and academic career at a high level. Penn State is the place where I want to be making my dreams come true."
Jepson on Karsikas
"Akseli has a great deal of international experience to bring to our program. He is a Finnish National Team member and has also spent time in the military. He is a seasoned competitor and mature individual. We're excited to see what he brings to table in terms of international experience and what he will add to our squad in all six events."
LANDON SIMPSON
Landon Simpson is a local, Pennsylvania native from Bellefonte. He has competed as an all-around gymnast for Centre Elite Gymnastics for the last nine years. Simpson earned first place at the 2021-22 State Championships on floor, pommel horse, rings, parallel bars, high bar, and the all-around. He finished second on parallel bars at the 2021-22 National Championships and finished sixth place on parallel bars.
Simpson on why Penn State
"I chose Penn State because it feels like home. It also has an exceptional agriculture program and I plan to study that while attending school here. All the coaches are so welcoming and comforting which played a major role in my decision."
Jepson on Simpson
"Landon brings great experience at the junior championship level and will be knocking on national team door in the future. We are excited to have him stay home in Happy Valley while he is able to compete in front of his family and friends in the area."
These four future Nittany Lions will join the team in the summer of 2023 to begin their academic and athletic career at Penn State.
