UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – No. 6 Penn State men's gymnastics will travel to compete against No. 5 Michigan at the Cliff Keen Arena on Sunday March 17 at 4 p.m.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
>> Date: Sunday, March 17 at 4 p.m.
>> Location: Ann Arbor, Mich. | Venue: Cliff Keen Arena
>> Free Admission
TUNE IN
>> Live Stats
>> Live Stream
LAST TIME OUT
The Nittany Lions remained undefeated at Rec Hall this season after a 403.100-381.650 victory over Springfield. The Nittany Lions claimed individual titles in five of the six events and in the all-around.
Josh Karnes led the team with individual titles on parallel bars (14.850), high bar (13.700) and a fourth-place finish on pommel horse (13.600). Freshman Luke Esparo received a career high score on vault of 14.550 to earn his first collegiate victory in the event. Matt Underhill claimed first on rings with a score of 13.900, earning his first individual title on the event this season.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENT
Michigan is currently ranked No. 5 in the nation with an average score of 409.006. Their record currently sits at 3-2, most recently losing to No. 7 Ohio State 407.400-412.150.
Javier Alfonso sits at first in the nation on rings season average score of 14.483 and Fred Richard ranks first in the nation on high bar with a season average of 14.480. David Wolma is second in the nation on vault with a season average of 14.650. Three wolverines are ranked in the top five on parallel bars.
MEETING HISTORY
In their last match up in Feb. of 2023, the Nittany Lions won 407.600-401.450 against the Wolverines. The Nittany Lions took four of six event titles and notched team season highs on parallel bars (68.850) and high bar (66.050).
Matt Cormier two event titles on floor with a 14.600 and vault with a 14.850. His score on vault was good for a personal best along with another personal high on parallel bars (14.000). Josh Karnes earned first place in the all-around with a score of 83.750. He scored a 14.050 to place second, earned a first-place finish on still rings (14.100), third place and career high on vault (14.350) and a second-place finish on parallel bars (14.700).
Penn State is 14-13 all-time against Michigan.
2024 SEASON PREVIEW
The Nittany Lions enter their 2024 campaign ranked sixth in the College Gymnastics Association (CGA) Preseason Coaches' Poll.
Head coach Randy Jepson returns for his 33rd season at the helm of the program along with associate head coach Tony Beck (eighth season) and assistant coach Carlos Vazquez (11th season).
Penn State finished their 2023 season 4-2 overall and 1-2 in the Big Ten. The team has 13 returners including All-Americas Josh Karnes, Matt Cormier, Michael Jaroh and Matt Underhill. Karnes was named the CGA All-Star Competition MVP last month after being named the parallel bars champion and helping the East team win for the second year in a row. Karnes along with sophomore Ian Raubal were named Big Ten Gymnasts to Watch after stellar regular and offs seasons.
The team has four new faces. Freshman Bobby Alessio, Luke Esparo, Akseli Karsikas and Landon Simpson will make their collegiate debuts this season.
UP NEXT
Penn State will return to Rec Hall for their final home meet of the season against Illinois on Saturday, March 23 at 4 p.m. Brandon Campbell and Nate Warren will be honored before the meet for Senior Day.