ROSEMONT, Ill. – Penn State men's gymnasts Josh Karnes and Luke Esparo earn Big Ten Weekly Awards after standout performances in the team's 403.100-381.650 victory over Springfield Saturday evening.
Karnes earns back-to-back Gymnast of the Week honors one week after being named to the U.S. Men's Senior National team and taking the silver medal on floor at the Winter Cup.
The Erie, Pa. native won two individual events against Springfield. He won parallel bars with his second highest score of the season, 14.850. The junior won high bar with a score of 13.700. He put up a solid performance on pommel horse, scoring 13.600 to take fourth.
Karnes has won six individual titles this season, leading the team.
Esparo is dubbed Big Ten Rookie of the Week for the first time in his career. The honor comes after the Wallingford, Ct. native claimed the vault title with a career high score of 14.550. He also earned a career high on floor with a score of 13.750, which was good for second place. The freshman also placed second on rings with a score of 13.500.
Esparo is the second freshman on the team this season to earn the award. Landon Simpson was named Freshman of the Week Jan. 8.
The last Penn State gymnast to earn back-to-back weekly awards was Matt Cormier last season.
The Nittany Lions will be back in action against Michigan Saturday, March 16. The meet will be televised on Big Ten Network.
