University Park, Pa. -No. 6 Penn State men's gymnastics will wrap up the regular season at home against conference opponent No. 4 Illinois on Saturday March 23 at 4 p.m. for Senior Day.
Penn State will honor graduate student Nate Warren and senior Brandon Campbell at the conclusion of the meet.
MEET INFORMATION
Date: Saturday, March 23 at 4 p.m. (Doors open at 3 p.m.)
Location: University Park, Pa. | Rec Hall
Tickets: Free admission
Promos: Senior Day | Post-meet Pizza
FOLLOW ALONG
Live Stats: Road to Nationals
Live Stream: B1G+
LAST TIME OUT
Men's gymnastics traveled to Ann Arbor last Sunday where they fell to No. 5 Michigan 425.500-413.600. Despite losing to the Wolverines, Penn State posted their highest overall score of the season as well as team highs on floor (68.600), rings (71.200) and vault (72.100).
Junior Josh Karnes competed in the all-around for the first time this season and posted a score of 81.200. He also collected two career highs on floor (14.500) and rings (14.150). Senior Michael Jaroh earned the individual event victory on pommel horse, earning a career high score of 14.700. Freshman Luke Esparo claimed his third rings title of the season with a career high score of 14.450.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENT
The Illinois fighting Ilini are currently ranked No. 4 in the nation with an overall record of 12-2 and a conference record of 2-1. Last Saturday, they defeated No. 7 Ohio State 413.200-406.350 in their Senior Day match up. Six Illini took home event titles including Tate Costa, who took floor with a career high 14.400 and the all-around title with a career high of 81.750.
MEETING HISTORY
The Nittany Lions are 8-8 in the all-time series with Illinois. Their last match up occurred Feb. 4, 2023 when the Illini defeated the Nittany Lions 408.800-401.750. Matt Cormier was the lone all-around competitor and finished with a score of 81.700. He took second on floor, fourth on rings, second on vault and first on high bar. Penn State's record at home against Illinois is 5-3.
A CHANCE AT THE TITLE
Penn State has the opportunity to clinch the Big Ten Regular Season Title with a victory against Illinois. If the Nittany Lions win on Saturday, Penn State, Michigan and Illinois will all be 2-2 in conference competition. The result of Tuesday's Ohio State vs. Nebraska meet will determine who will all share the title.
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 compete at the Big Ten Championships Friday, April 6 - Saturday, April 7 at 7 p.m.
