March 8, 2016
By Miranda Kulp, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -The Penn State men's gymnastics will be honoring three seniors on Friday, March 11th while hosting Nebraska in the last regular season home meet at 7 p.m. inside Rec Hall.
Four years together, through ups and downs, these three seniors are about to graduate, and all they've accomplished while donning the Blue and White won't be forgotten anytime soon.
"It's always sad to see a class go, every one of these guys have grown so much throughout the years and we'll miss their presence," said head coach Randy Jepson.
"Each one of the three guys played an important role on the team and it'll be sad to say goodbye to them. I'm positive though that great success is in each of their futures," continued Jepson.
Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Howard has been a key gymnast for Penn State all four years of his collegiate career.
He's competed in all six events for the Blue and White, scoring a career-high 88.500 in the all-around at the 2015 NCAA Championship. The Columbus, Ohio native was a 2013 National Champion on the floor exercise and a three-time All-American in his career donning the Blue and White. Howard also earned First Team All-Big Ten on two occasions, holds the conference record being an eight-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week in 2013 and was a two-time Big Ten still rings champion.
"Being on the team taught me a lot," said Howard. "The sport teaches you discipline and learning how to become cohesive with an entire team. It's kind of cool becoming so close with all these guys with different backgrounds since we have the same goal of winning."
"This sport has taught me so much and will always influence my life even past graduation," he continued.
After Penn State, Howard wants continue a career in advertising and becoming a creative director.
Both a leader through his actions and words, Torres is known for his charismatic personality and dedication to gymnastics.
Born in Catano, Puerto Rico, Torres has created a name for himself both in America and his homeland within the gymnastic community. With an overall best score of 90.550 in the all-around against Iowa earlier this season; he has excelled on all six events in competition. Furthermore, Torres is a two-time All-American on the still rings.
"It's going to be an emotional meet, simply due to this will be my last competition in Rec Hall and Penn State means so much to me," said Torres.
"Representing Penn State these past four years have meant so much to me. It's been a great experience working with Coach Randy and being around these guys every day," said Torres
After Penn State, Torres wants to go to physical therapy school and continue competing in gymnastics for Puerto Rico.
Originally from Winston-Salem, N.C., Young was prepped at Mount Tabor before coming to Penn State.
Known for his energetic presence and being someone who can interact with anyone on the team, Young played a vital role in always motivating his teammates at both practice and in competition with his positive attitude.
His career high on pommel horse is 13.900 and earned a 13.500 on the high bar.
"It's been an incredible experience overall," said Young. "We've become so close to one another we're really more of a family on this team and Coach Randy has been a great role model."
After Penn State, Young wants to peruse a career as a dentist.